This is a powerful and deeply emotional update from the frontlines of a war that’s now stretched into its fourth year. President Zelensky’s invitation to Donald Trump seems both a plea and a strategic move—calling on Trump to see the human cost of the war before engaging in any kind of peace deal or negotiation with Russia. It underlines how critical personal engagement and moral perspective are, especially from someone like Trump, who has previously claimed he could end the war quickly.
The missile strike on Sumy, killing 34 including children, adds a tragic urgency to Zelensky’s request. It’s no surprise the international response has been swift and strong—Germany, France, the UK, and the UN all condemning the attack as a war crime or serious violation of international law. Even Trump and his camp, often more restrained in their criticisms of Russia, have described it in strong terms.
The fact that Trump’s special envoy, Lt-Gen Keith Kellogg, has been actively involved and that peace efforts are progressing under his administration shows that the geopolitical lines are shifting. But attacks like this—especially on civilians—make it clear that any peace negotiation will be incredibly complex, especially if it’s to be built on justice and accountability.
Zelensky’s message—”come and see before you decide”—carries a lot of emotional and moral weight. It’s a challenge to Trump, but also a test of whether any deal can be rooted in the reality on the ground, rather than just diplomatic optics.
Do you think Trump will accept the invitation? Or would such a visit complicate things for him politically or diplomatically?