Trump Endorses Putin-Led Peace Plan Ahead of High-Stakes Meeting with Zelenskyy
President Donald Trump is championing a peace settlement for Ukraine that mirrors a proposal from Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
The plan reportedly involves Moscow gaining complete control of the Donbas region while freezing current front lines in other areas. This move sets the stage for a pivotal meeting on Monday between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.
A Push for a “Long-Term Settlement”
The proposed agreement, discussed during a meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska on Friday, would cede the entirety of the Donbas, which includes the Luhansk and Donetsk territories, to Russian control.
In exchange, the existing front lines in other occupied regions, such as Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, would be frozen.
Sources indicate both the White House and the Kremlin are seeking what they term a “long-term settlement.” This approach explicitly rejects the idea of a temporary truce or ceasefire, which both leaders reportedly view as an unsustainable solution.
Following his discussion with Putin, President Trump engaged in telephone calls with several European leaders on Saturday to communicate the framework of the potential deal, according to reports on Fox News.
Zelenskyy Prepares for Crucial Negotiations
President Zelenskyy is now preparing for his Monday summit with Trump, where he is expected to outline Ukraine’s position on any peace negotiations.
The proposal has already generated significant unease among European allies.
A European diplomat, speaking to The Associated Press, confirmed that leaders on the continent have expressed apprehension about the terms being advanced by Washington and Moscow.
Reflecting this sentiment, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commented on the situation during an appearance on ZDF television, highlighting the growing international discussion surrounding the diplomatic push. The direct talks represent a significant shift in strategy, moving negotiations directly between the leaders involved.
