Trump Putin Summit: Openness to Triple Meeting with Zelenskyy

Trump ⁣Governance Pursues Ukraine Peace deal Granting ⁤Russia Control of Occupied Territories

Negotiations are underway between the United States and Russia to potentially end the war in Ukraine, but the emerging framework appears ⁤to solidify Russia’s territorial gains, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The proposed deal, spearheaded by special envoy Steve witkeov, would see Ukraine cede control of several key regions currently occupied by Russian forces.

The administration’s strategy, as outlined in a recent statement, centers on a combination of “active diplomacy, ⁤the support of Ukraine, and pressure on Russia to ⁤end its illegal war.” However, critics argue the current trajectory leans heavily towards appeasement.A core principle repeatedly emphasized is that “the freedom to determine ⁣its fate” rests with Ukraine, and any peace process must involve Kyiv, ideally within the context of a ceasefire or de-escalation.

Momentum shifted earlier this week following Witkeov’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, just days before a deadline set ⁣by President Trump for a ceasefire or ⁣the imposition of further penalties on Russia. While Trump signed an executive order authorizing sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil and increased customs duties on India,the anticipated new sanctions were not announced.

Trump later spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, relaying the outcomes of the witkeov-Putin meeting. Sources indicate Witkeov initially conveyed that Putin was ⁣willing to end the war in exchange for Ukraine relinquishing claims ⁣to the Crimean Peninsula, and also the Russian-occupied regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.A potential concession⁤ from Putin was reportedly floated – a willingness to discuss relinquishing control of partially Russian-controlled regions of⁢ zaporizhzhia and Kherson.This was initially perceived as a‍ slight softening of Russia’s position. ‍However, in a⁣ subsequent call with Ukrainian and European officials,⁤ Witkeov clarified that Putin only agreed to “freeze the current ⁢Russian presence” in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, effectively leaving large portions of both ⁤regions, including the strategically vital Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power station, under Russian occupation.

Ukrainian officials have already signaled meaningful hurdles.One official told Axios that Zelenskyy would be constitutionally obligated to hold a referendum on any territorial concessions, given the Ukrainian constitution prohibits ceding land. Trump acknowledged this, stating the potential agreement would involve “an exchange of lands to serve the interests of the two countries” and that Zelenskyy was “conducting arrangements that allow him to sign an agreement that does not violate Ukrainian law.”

Bloomberg News reported friday that the U.S. and Russia are actively working towards an agreement that would⁤ “devote Russia’s situation in ⁤the lands it controlled” as the February 2022 invasion. The proposed formula‍ centers on resolving the status‍ of disputed areas ahead of a potential summit between Trump and ⁤Putin, possibly ‍next week.

The U.S. is seeking buy-in from Ukraine and its European allies, though success is not guaranteed. as part of the deal, Russia would halt its offensive ⁣in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. However, Putin continues to demand Ukraine formally relinquish all of Donbas, in addition to Crimea, annexed by Russia‍ in 2014.

this would necessitate a Ukrainian military withdrawal from ⁣portions of Luhansk and Donetsk, a move Bloomberg characterizes as a “political victory” for Russia.The emerging agreement raises concerns‍ that the administration is prioritizing ⁢a fast resolution over securing a truly just and lasting peace for Ukraine, potentially legitimizing Russia’s territorial aggression.