'Ukraine can forget about joining NATO': Trump
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has said Ukraine should give up its dreams of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
His remarks came just before a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday.
"But for Ukraine, we're going to try very hard to make a good deal so that they can get as much back as possible," Trump, who is mediating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, said.
Diplomatic efforts
Trump's commitment to securing a favorable deal for Ukraine
Trump asserted that his diplomatic efforts were bringing a new spirit of compromise from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who "wanted the whole thing" in Ukraine.
He, however, did not reveal what compromises he expected both sides to make in the future peace deal.
"We're going to do the best... to make the best deal we can for both sides," Trump said.
Currently, Russia occupies Crimea and a significant portion of Eastern Ukraine, which accounts for approximately 20% of the country.
Allies
Europeans would consider sending soldiers: Macron
"I think we're going to have a deal. If I didn't get elected, I believe he would have just continued to go through Ukraine," he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron informed Trump on Monday that the Europeans would consider sending soldiers to protect any deal, but that US support was necessary to ensure security.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also anticipated to offer a similar message to Trump when they meet on Thursday.
Presidential sacrifice
Zelenskyy's willingness to step down for Ukraine's NATO entry
Zelensky had been pushing for Ukraine's inclusion in the transatlantic alliance as a surefire method to establish long-term peace and protect itself from another Russian invasion.
He stated over the weekend that he would be willing to step down from office if it meant Ukraine could join NATO.
Trump is expected to meet with Putin soon, but both governments have stated that more delegation meetings will be needed before the two leaders can meet face to face.