U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed support for a proposal in which Ukraine would give up the Donbas region to Russia in exchange for an end to hostilities. The revelation came from a leaked post-summit call following Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, sparking sharp reactions across Europe and Kyiv.
Details of the reported proposal
According to accounts of the discussion, Putin suggested that Ukraine relinquish control of Donetsk and Luhansk, while Russia would halt further advances in southern territories such as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Trump is said to have endorsed the plan during a call with European leaders, encouraging them to bypass a ceasefire and instead move directly to a permanent settlement.
Kyiv and European response
The reported stance is in direct conflict with Ukraine’s position. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently ruled out territorial concessions, stating that peace talks cannot take place while Russian forces continue military operations. Ukraine’s constitution also makes ceding territory illegal without a national referendum, adding a significant legal barrier.
European leaders swiftly rejected the idea of redrawing borders under pressure of war, reiterating their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Diplomats warned that endorsing such a plan could fracture Western unity and embolden Moscow by rewarding aggression.
Trump’s justification
Trump reportedly told allies that ceasefire agreements “often do not hold up” and suggested that moving straight to a comprehensive peace deal would be more effective. He also indicated that Washington might consider providing security guarantees to Ukraine as part of the arrangement, though details of what such guarantees would entail remain unclear.
Political risks and criticism
Analysts described Trump’s apparent backing of the plan as a major departure from established U.S. policy, which has until now emphasised the importance of a ceasefire and the restoration of Ukraine’s borders. Critics argue that bypassing Kyiv and aligning with Russian terms undermines both Ukraine’s sovereignty and the credibility of the West’s collective stance against territorial aggression.
Next steps
Zelenskyy is due to meet Trump in Washington in the coming days, with European leaders expected to participate in the discussions. For now, Ukraine has categorically rejected any proposal to cede land, leaving the peace framework in limbo. The leak has added new tension to an already fraught diplomatic landscape, raising questions over how far the United States is willing to diverge from its allies in pursuit of ending the war.
REFH – Newshub, 17 August 2025
Recent Comments