Trump Pushes For Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal
Trump has reportedly committed in principle to providing “security guarantees” to Ukraine to safeguard its frontier from Russia
President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that Ukraine should negotiate a peace agreement with Russia, commenting that "Russia is a very big power, and they're not" following his Friday meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
The remarks came after reports that Putin had conveyed specific territorial demands to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy through Trump.
According to sources familiar with the Alaska summit, Putin proposed freezing current front lines in exchange for Ukrainian recognition of Russian control over the entire Donetsk region.
Zelenskyy rejected this proposal, according to the same sources. The meeting marked the first direct engagement between Trump and Putin since the former's return to office.
Trump's position on Ukraine negotiations has evolved since taking office. Prior to the Alaska meeting, he had indicated that a ceasefire would be necessary before substantive peace talks could begin.
Following his discussions with Putin, Trump posted on Truth Social that "the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement" rather than a temporary ceasefire.
The President also addressed Ukraine's NATO aspirations, stating "NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE" while indicating that alternative security arrangements could be provided.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff suggested that security guarantees resembling NATO's collective defense provisions might be offered to Ukraine as part of any peace agreement.
The Donetsk region ranks second among Ukraine's 24 oblasts in industrial output. Russia currently controls approximately three-quarters of the province, having first entered parts of the region in 2014.
The remaining Ukrainian-controlled territory includes major cities such as Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Ukrainian officials face constitutional constraints, as territorial changes require referendums. Recent polling indicates that over 80% of Ukrainians oppose peace agreements involving territorial concessions to Russia.
European leaders have expressed varying responses, with some welcoming Trump's diplomatic engagement while emphasizing Ukrainian territorial integrity.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated that additional sanctions on Russia would be considered if the conflict continues.
Russian officials characterized the Alaska meeting as productive, arguing that the conflict represents a broader dispute about European security architecture.
Monday's White House meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders will determine future policy directions. The agenda is expected to cover territorial questions, security arrangements, and negotiation frameworks.
Zelenskyy maintains Ukraine's position opposing territorial concessions without constitutional processes. European leaders have coordinated positions to varying degrees, with some emphasizing Ukrainian sovereignty while others indicate flexibility regarding settlement terms with adequate security arrangements.
Several potential outcomes could emerge, ranging from territorial agreements to continued disagreement.
The humanitarian dimensions involve approximately 1.6 million civilians in contested territories. Military developments may influence negotiating positions and settlement feasibility.