Donald Trump suggested that the war in Ukraine could end if the country agreed to cede parts of its Donbas region to Russia. His remarks came after a tense White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said the Donbas region is already “cut up” and suggested leaving it as it is for now. He added that both sides should stop fighting, go home, and halt the killing.
Trump’s stance marked a shift from his comments in September. He had previously said Ukraine could reclaim all its territories and even advance further into Russian lands. At that time, he described Russia as a “paper tiger.”
Zelenskyy traveled to Washington hoping to secure long-range Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine. These weapons would allow strikes deep inside Russia, including Moscow. After weeks of lobbying, Zelenskyy left without the missiles.
Trump, however, appeared more optimistic about a potential deal after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. The two leaders agreed to meet soon in Budapest.
After meeting Zelenskyy, Trump described the talks as “interesting and cordial” but emphasized the need to “stop the killing and make a deal.” Sources briefed on the meeting said Trump urged Zelenskyy to give up territory to Russia, particularly parts of Donetsk and Luhansk.
The meeting was reportedly tense, with the Ukrainian delegation leaving frustrated. US special envoy Steve Witkoff was said to have strongly encouraged Ukraine to accept Russia’s proposal. He noted that Donetsk and Luhansk have significant Russian-speaking populations.
Trump’s position seems influenced by his discussion with Putin. Reports suggest Putin proposed a territorial swap: Ukraine would cede Donetsk and Luhansk, while Russia would withdraw from parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
In a Fox News interview, Trump noted that Russia is likely to keep some territory it has captured. “We’re the only nation that goes in, wins a war, and then leaves,” he said.
Flying from Florida to Washington on Sunday evening, Trump reiterated that Ukraine would need to accept the current battle lines. He added that negotiations on who keeps which areas would be complicated given the many possible scenarios.
Zelenskyy has called for strong action from European and American allies. He said another meeting of the Europe-led “coalition of the willing” is needed. “Ukraine will never grant terrorists any bounty for their crimes,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media. “We count on our partners to uphold this position.”
The conflict continues, with both sides maintaining heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine. International observers have warned that any territorial concessions could have lasting consequences for regional stability and the global balance of power.
Trump’s latest remarks underscore a major change in US rhetoric toward the conflict. Analysts say the shift could complicate Ukraine’s military strategy while raising questions about Western unity on support for Kyiv.
As negotiations and military developments unfold, the international community is watching closely. The stakes remain high for Ukraine, Russia, and the broader European security landscape.
