A potential path to ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine involves Russia’s demand for the Donetsk province, as relayed by former U.S. President Donald Trump to Ukrainian President Zelensky. Putin has suggested that ceding Donetsk could lead to a significant withdrawal of Russian forces. Trump engaged in discussions with Putin in Alaska, and subsequently, with Zelensky. Zelensky, however, has rejected the proposal to transfer Donetsk to Russia.
Currently, Russia maintains control over a substantial portion of Ukrainian territory, including most of the Donetsk province, where Russia initially entered in 2014. Trump has emphasized the importance of a comprehensive peace agreement preceding any ceasefire. Putin appears to share this perspective.
The meeting in Alaska, held on August 15th, involved three hours of private talks between Trump and Putin, centered on the ongoing war. No immediate ceasefire announcement followed the meeting. In a post-meeting press conference, the leaders did not address any questions. Trump described the conversation as positive, acknowledging disagreements on certain matters, without specifying them. Trump’s statement on Truth Social supported the idea of seeking a direct peace agreement over simply agreeing to a ceasefire, arguing that the latter is often insufficient.
Russia has expressed approval of Trump’s comments that favor a complete peace settlement over a mere ceasefire. This may prove challenging, given the opposing viewpoints of the two parties. The Russian military has been steadily advancing for several months. Experts recognize the Russia-Ukraine war as one of the most brutal conflicts in Europe in the last 80 years, resulting in more than a million casualties.
Before the Alaska Summit, Trump indicated his dissatisfaction until a ceasefire agreement was reached. Subsequently, he announced a Monday meeting with Zelensky, and a potential meeting with Putin if the talks with Zelensky go well. Zelensky will also meet with Trump in Washington. Reports suggest European leaders are also invited. Zelensky expressed his willingness to meet with Putin, though Putin has yet to signal any alterations to Russia’s stance on the war, nor has he publicly spoken about the prospect of a meeting with Zelensky.