U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that Ukraine “has to make a deal” with Russia to bring an end to the current war, after meeting at a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Although Trump stated that some progress had been made, few details were made public, allowing speculation to run rampant regarding the conflict’s future.
As per a source close to the talks, Putin suggested freezing the majority of the front lines if Kyiv would relinquish control of the entire Donetsk region. This is a demand illustrating Moscow’s long-held territorial interests in eastern Ukraine.
Russia already occupies roughly three-quarters of Donetsk province, initially invaded in 2014 and completely hit in the 2022 flare-up. Trump personally delivered Putin’s message to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who categorically rejected the ultimatum. Zelenskiy reaffirmed that Ukraine cannot give up territory without constitutional reform and that doing so would leave the door open to subsequent Russian advances.
Trump Pushes for Peace Deal Without Ceasefire
Following the Alaska summit, Trump wrote on Truth Social that both parties had found the “best way” ahead was to seek a peace deal and not a ceasefire, which he claimed tend to fail. This is in line with Moscow’s desire for a final settlement and not temporary lulls in violence.
Putin, addressing reporters afterward, expressed hope that the talks could “open the way to peace in Ukraine,” though he offered no sign of compromise.
Zelenskiy Insists on Security Guarantees
Declining to make territorial concessions, Zelenskiy maintained he is open to a direct meeting with Putin. He stipulated that peace negotiations must see the inclusion of security guarantees for Ukraine as a condition against future aggression from Russia. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also held this position, noting suggestions drawn from NATO’s Article 5 for the establishment of a collective defense system for Ukraine.
Trump confirmed he and Zelenskiy would meet on Monday in Washington, with European leaders invited to join. But skepticism is running high in European capitals.
Europe Keeps Pressure on Russia
European allies welcomed cautiously Trump’s overture but vowed to continue or ratchet up sanctions on Russia. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the war’s end “may be closer than ever” but promised to keep pressure on Moscow until it stops its offensive.
A concerted European declaration reaffirmed Ukraine’s freedom to join NATO and dismissed limits on its military, going head-to-head with Kremlin demands.
Putin Won More, Critics Say
Not everyone was upbeat. Former German ambassador to Washington Wolfgang Ischinger said the summit was an unambiguous “1-0 for Putin”, contending Moscow won recognition at the cost of little else. Critics pointed out there had been no ceasefire, no new sanctions, and no Russian concessions.
In the meantime, both Russia and Ukraine conducted overnight air raids while the fighting raged on across the front lines, highlighting the gap between diplomatic rhetoric and realities on the ground.
What’s Next
Trump indicated he could meet Putin soon again, even possibly making a trip to Moscow. “Next time in Moscow,” Putin joked in English, to which Trump responded he “might get some heat” but did not close the door.
With Zelenskiy holding out, Putin insisting on more territory, and Europe vowing sterner action, the chances of a quick breakthrough are small. Meanwhile, war goes on with no end in sight.
