Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked global debate after reportedly conveying Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demand for full control over Donetsk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a crucial discussion. The move came after Trump’s three-hour meeting with Putin in Alaska—the first U.S.-Russia summit since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Putin’s Proposal: Freeze the War in Exchange for Donetsk
According to sources familiar with the talks, Putin offered to freeze most front lines of the ongoing war if Ukraine ceded complete control of Donetsk, one of Russia’s main territorial objectives since the start of the invasion. Russia currently controls about 75% of Donetsk province and nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s total territory.
Trump reportedly told Zelensky that agreeing to the deal could bring an end to Europe’s deadliest war in 80 years, which has killed or wounded more than a million people on both sides.
“Russia is a very big power, and they’re not,” Trump said during a briefing, emphasizing his belief that Ukraine should “make a deal” to stop the bloodshed.
Zelensky Rejects Territorial Concessions
Despite pressure, Zelensky flatly rejected the idea of giving up Donetsk, citing Ukraine’s constitutional obligation to protect its territorial integrity. He stressed that conceding land would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and embolden future aggression.
The Ukrainian president also reiterated his demand for ironclad security guarantees to ensure that Russia does not launch another invasion after any potential peace agreement.
“Ukraine needs lasting peace, not just another pause,” Zelensky stated, confirming that he will meet Trump in Washington on Monday to continue discussions.
European Allies React—Support for Ukraine, Sanctions on Russia
While European leaders welcomed Trump’s peace initiative in principle, they voiced strong opposition to any territorial concessions. In a joint statement, EU officials said:
“Ukraine must have full security guarantees and no restrictions on its right to defend itself or join NATO.”
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted the importance of a collective security clause modeled after NATO’s Article 5, ensuring Ukraine would receive immediate assistance if attacked again.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that while peace talks are necessary, sanctions on Russia would be tightened until Putin “ends his barbaric assault.”
Why Putin Sees This as a Victory
For Putin, the very act of meeting Trump was a diplomatic win. Since the 2022 invasion, the Kremlin has faced isolation and sanctions from Western powers. Now, with Trump’s willingness to explore land-for-peace options, Moscow sees a potential breakthrough.
However, analysts caution that the deal would rely entirely on Putin’s “word of honor”—a risky proposition given previous violations of agreements by Moscow.
Security Guarantees: The Sticking Point
The biggest hurdle remains Ukraine’s insistence on long-term security assurances. Inspired by NATO’s defence clause, these guarantees would require U.S. and European commitment to defend Ukraine in case of another Russian attack.
Putin, surprisingly, signalled openness to this idea, saying, “I hope the understanding we reached will allow us to get closer to peace in Ukraine.”
What’s Next? A Possible Trump-Putin-Zelensky Meeting
Trump hinted that a trilateral meeting could follow Monday’s Washington talks with Zelensky, though Putin’s aides dismissed any formal plans.
“If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin,” Trump told Fox News, adding that the two leaders had already discussed land transfers and security guarantees.
When asked what advice he had for Zelensky, Trump replied bluntly:
“Gotta make a deal.”
Global Stakes and Humanitarian Concerns
The developments come amid growing concerns about Russia’s reported abduction of Ukrainian children and forced indoctrination in Russian camps—allegations that triggered an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Putin in 2023.
First Lady Melania Trump also delivered a letter to Putin during the Alaska summit, urging him to protect children’s innocence and calling for an immediate end to the conflict.
The Road Ahead
Whether Trump’s intervention will lead to a breakthrough or deepen divisions remains uncertain. For now, Zelensky remains firm: no land concessions without constitutional changes and binding international security guarantees.
As fighting continues across the front lines and both sides launch daily airstrikes, the world waits to see if diplomacy can finally halt Europe’s most devastating war in decades.
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