Trump Proposes Territorial Swaps in Upcoming Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

Former US President Donald Trump has suggested that any potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia could involve territory swaps. He has indicated plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next Friday in Alaska to discuss this proposal. Trump stated, "We're gonna get some territory back. We're gonna get some switched. There'll be some swapping of territories to the betterment of both," although he did not elaborate further on the details of these exchanges. The announcement of the meeting's location was made on Trump's Truth Social platform and was subsequently confirmed by Russian state media, citing Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. Putin has expressed his hesitance regarding a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that certain conditions must first be established. He stated, "I have nothing against it in general; it's possible but certain conditions must be created for this meeting. Unfortunately, we are still far from creating such conditions." Ushakov remarked that another summit could possibly take place in Moscow, with an invitation already extended; however, the White House has yet to comment on these developments. These remarks arise after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk hinted at a potential 'freeze' in the conflict following discussions with Zelenskyy, suggesting that while a formal end to hostilities is not yet in sight, there may be an opportunity for a pause. Tusk stated, "There are certain signals... perhaps a freeze in the conflict is closer than it is further away." Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy reported that Kyiv has maintained constant communication with US officials, particularly as the deadline for a Russian ceasefire passed without any orders to halt military operations. He noted that Ukraine experienced over 100 drone strikes just in one day, alongside frontline assaults and various airstrikes. Zelenskyy affirmed that Ukraine's allies are united in their belief that putting the right pressure on Russia could open doors to achieving at least a ceasefire. In related news, Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who tragically died in Russian captivity last year, was buried in Kyiv during a heartfelt ceremony attended by her relatives and colleagues. Roshchyna was known for her courageous reporting on Russia's systematic policies of extrajudicial detention and torture in occupied territories. She was only 27 years old at the time of her death after over a year in captivity, with her body returned earlier this year exhibiting disturbing evidence of mistreatment. Her legacy highlights the dangers faced by journalists covering the ongoing conflict. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2