[Two people shaking hands with respective continents inscribed; Photo credit: Pixabay]

On August 18, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington D.C., seeking to seize the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

This initiative followed when President Trump demanded Russia to halt its military campaign by August 8, 2025.

That call went unanswered, leading to a direct meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska.

During the Alaska meeting, Putin expressed a conditional willingness to announce peace if Ukraine gave them land in exchange. 

To discuss Putin's proposal, Trump invited Zelensky to the Oval Office, joined by seven European leaders, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

According to Fox News, Putin and Zelensky agreed to hold talks within the next two weeks to negotiate potential terms.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that Trump encouraged Ukraine to consider giving up Crimea as part of a possible settlement, portraying the concession as a step toward ending the war. 

On August 19, Trump clarified that future talks should primarily involve Putin and Zelensky directly, noting he would only intervene personally if circumstances required. 

Despite the ongoing verbal efforts toward a ceasefire, fighting on the ground has not ceased. 

On August 18, Ukrainian officials confirmed that two Russian strategic bombers entered their territory, and continued assaults struck Kharkiv and surrounding cities. 

At least 10 people were killed, demonstrating the horrifying reality of the situation.

CNN also described how due to such circumstances, Zelensky announced plans to purchase $90 billion worth of American weapons for defensive purposes, though he emphasized that a final decision would be made within 10 days.

Public sentiment reflects both skepticism and cautious optimism.

An anonymous junior commented, “I appreciate the fact that leaders are actively trying to stop the war. However, with Russia demanding land and Ukraine refusing, I doubt peace will come easily. Asking Ukraine to give up territory feels unfair, as they shouldn’t have to surrender land just to satisfy a stronger power.”

Another student shared a different view, stating, “I have high hopes that a peaceful ceasefire will be able to occur. I think Trump working to find peace between Putin and Zelensky is historic and will be successful.”

A freshman in high school expressed, “The process shouldn’t be rushed just to ‘show the world what you’re capable of.’ Lasting peace requires time and careful negotiation. Students like us should remain connected to the news and see what choices are to be made throughout our country.”

These voices reflect a shared recognition of the value of pursuing peace, even amid doubts about how achievable it may be.

As the world watches closely, the fate of the war remains unknown. 

What is clear, however, is that the urgency for sustained diplomacy is at its highest point since the conflict began.