One week after meeting US President Donald Trump in Alaska, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially laid out his conditions for ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The two leaders had a private three-hour discussion during their summit, raising hopes for peace despite no immediate agreement being reached.
Following the meeting, Trump expressed optimism, posting on Truth Social that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy could end the conflict by ceasing hostilities or choose to continue fighting. Trump referred to the crisis’s origins, criticizing former policies that allowed Russia’s annexation of Crimea and warning against Ukraine joining NATO.
Trump subsequently met with President Zelenskyy and several European leaders at the White House to outline possible pathways to end the war, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022 and has caused significant casualties.
Ukraine has fiercely resisted, unwilling to give up large territories. However, sources told Reuters that Putin’s terms to halt the fighting include Ukraine abandoning its NATO membership ambitions, no Western troops on Russian soil, and complete withdrawal from the Russian-held parts of the Donbas region.
Reports indicate Russia would freeze frontlines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in exchange for Ukraine handing over Donbas, where Russia controls about 88%, and 73% of the other regions.
These demands arrive amidst a virtual NATO defense meeting with Ukraine, described as a candid and united discussion by NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.
As talks continue to unfold, many wonder if Trump can successfully mediate peace. Share your thoughts on the possibility of ending this conflict.
