While Donald Trump described his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska concerning Ukraine as positive, there seems to be no immediate solution in sight. According to a Reuters report, during his conversation with Trump, Putin proposed that if Ukraine grants Russia full control over Donetsk, he could halt advancement on other fronts.
Reuters reported that Ukrainian President Zelensky has rejected this proposal. After the Alaska meeting, Trump reportedly informed Ukraine's president and other European leaders about Putin's offer through phone calls. Speaking to the media after meeting Putin in Alaska, Trump stated that Ukraine should agree to a peace agreement with Russia.
He mentioned Russia is a global powerhouse, and Ukraine holds less power in comparison. The Alaska meeting marked the first encounter between US and Russian leaders since Russia's incursion into Ukraine began in February 2022, lasting about three hours. According to Reuters, Trump informed Zelensky that Putin's proposal also included halting Russian actions in other parts of Ukraine if Ukraine withdraws from Donetsk.
Read More: 'Putin takes the lead 1-0...' Why European leaders seem disappointed post-Alaska meeting with Trump
Russian Control Over Substantial Parts of Donetsk
Since 2014, much of the Donetsk region has been subject to Russian control. Presently, Russia occupies approximately 20% of Ukrainian land, including a majority share of Donetsk province. Trump reportedly noted that he and Putin agreed that any peace agreement should advance without prior ceasefires, a long-standing demand of Ukraine and its European allies. On his social media platform 'Truth Social', Trump said, 'It was decided by all that the best way to end the disastrous war between Russia and Ukraine is a peace settlement, not a ceasefire, which often does not hold.'
Zelensky: Ukraine Can't Relinquish Its Land
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized that Ukraine cannot surrender its territory without constitutional amendments. He refers to key cities like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk within Donetsk as strategically crucial in preventing Russian advances. Zelensky also stressed the need for long-term security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression. He mentioned discussing positive signals from the American side with Trump, highlighting Ukraine desires a lasting peace, not another halt amid Russian aggression.
Read More: India's reaction to the Trump-Putin Alaska meeting: The world wishes to see Ukraine's conflict conclude rapidly
Zelensky to Meet Donald Trump
Meanwhile, according to The New York Times, citing two senior European officials, Zelensky is set to meet American President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday. Several European leaders are also invited to participate in these discussions. European leaders have cautiously expressed support for the upcoming talks, reiterating their support for Ukraine. They have also hinted at plans to tighten sanctions on Russia, stating that peace efforts must not come at the expense of Ukraine's sovereignty.
