Washington, Aug 12 (HS) : In a provocative bid to break the deadlock in the ongoing Ukraine–Russia war, U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday suggested that the two countries might have to cede portions of territory to each other as part of a potential settlement.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump revealed that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday in Alaska for what he called an “initial feel‑out session” to test the waters for a possible agreement.
“I’m going to tell President Putin — this war needs to end. I’ll know very quickly if a deal is within reach,” Trump said.
Trump also hinted at the possibility of a future trilateral summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and pledged to consult with European leaders after his talks with Putin to accelerate moves toward a ceasefire.
Controversial Proposal
Trump’s “land swap” vision has met stiff resistance in the past from both Kyiv and Moscow. Many European capitals remain wary that granting Russia substantial territorial concessions would embolden Moscow and undermine Western security.
Since the conflict’s outbreak in February 2022, Russia has seized control of nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, while Ukraine holds only a sliver of Russian land. Trump said the proposal would aim to restore some strategically important areas to Ukraine while involving reciprocal territorial adjustments.
“Some land will change hands,” Trump said. “We’ll try to make sure Ukraine regains some critical ground.”
Skepticism Remains
Ukrainian leaders, including Zelenskyy, have repeatedly rejected land-for-peace concepts, vowing never to surrender territory to what they call an occupying force — dismissing such proposals as “dead on arrival.”
The Alaska meeting, while reigniting a flicker of diplomatic hope, underscores the deep political sensitivities and geopolitical risks surrounding any compromise. With both sides entrenched and Western allies divided over concessions, Trump’s gamble could either mark a breakthrough — or add fresh friction to an already volatile standoff.
—————
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
