The Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022, continues unabated as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain inconclusive. US President Donald Trump, who previously pledged to halt the war if reinstated, is now set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska to discuss a potential peace agreement.
Trump indicated that the talks may involve territorial exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting that both nations could agree to cede or swap certain lands as part of a ceasefire deal. “A ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine will be reached,” Trump told the media. “The territorial adjustments will be mutually beneficial for both sides.” However, he did not disclose specific details regarding the areas involved.
Initially, Trump had proposed a trilateral meeting in Alaska involving Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff recently raising the possibility during a visit to Russia. Nonetheless, the idea did not gain traction, prompting Trump to pursue direct dialogue with Putin first.
Ukrainian President Zelensky strongly opposed any territorial concessions, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to preserving its sovereignty. “Ukraine will never agree to any measures that undermine its territorial integrity,” Zelensky said. “Our voice must be heard in all peace negotiations. We cannot hand over our territory to an occupier. Any talks excluding Ukraine will be counterproductive and against peace.”
Meanwhile, the international community continues to advocate for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, although fighting persists between Russia and Ukraine.