Donald Trump has confirmed he will raise the idea of ‘land swapping’ with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a high-profile Ukraine war summit in Alaska on 15 August 2025, a proposal that has drawn sharp criticism from Kyiv and European leaders.
A controversial proposal ahead of talks
Speaking in Washington, the former US president described the upcoming meeting with Putin as a “feel-out session” to determine whether a peace agreement could be reached quickly. He suggested that both Russia and Ukraine might need to cede territory as part of a settlement, calling some land exchanges “in Ukraine’s best interest”. Trump pledged to inform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies of any potential arrangement he deems fair.
Kyiv and Europe push back
President Zelensky has categorically rejected the idea of territorial concessions, declaring that “Ukrainians will not give away their land to the occupier”. European leaders echoed his stance, insisting that Ukraine must be directly involved in all negotiations and that no deal should legitimise territorial changes imposed by force. The EU has also warned that any agreement undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty could destabilise the wider security framework in Europe.
Diplomatic stakes and political risks
Analysts note that Trump’s approach risks alienating Kyiv and potentially legitimising Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory if not handled carefully. Supporters argue that pragmatic compromises may be necessary to end the conflict, but critics fear that ‘land swapping’ could weaken international norms and encourage further territorial aggression. The proposed discussion comes as Western military aid to Ukraine faces political scrutiny in the US and Europe.
What to watch after the summit
If the Alaska meeting proceeds as planned, observers will be looking for signs of whether Moscow and Washington can agree on basic principles for talks, and how Kyiv’s exclusion from direct discussions might influence the process. The outcome could determine not only the trajectory of the war but also the credibility of US-led mediation efforts in Europe’s most serious conflict in decades.
REFH – Newshub, 12 August 2025
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