Trump Urges Zelenskiy to ‘Make a Deal’ as Putin Demands More of Ukraine

Trump Urges Zelenskiy to 'Make a Deal' as Putin Demands More of Ukraine

In a moment that sent ripples through global diplomatic circles, former U.S. President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that it’s time to make a deal with Vladimir Putin — even if that means giving up more Ukrainian territory.

Speaking after a private meeting with the Russian leader in Alaska, Trump said, “Russia is a very big power, and they’re not,” referring to Ukraine. This stark statement followed what insiders described as a tense negotiation in which Putin proposed halting military advances if Ukraine handed over the entire Donetsk region — a key industrial area largely under Russian control since 2014. Zelenskiy reportedly rejected the proposal outright.

While Russia already holds about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, Trump shifted his stance on the need for a ceasefire, now saying that only a comprehensive peace agreement — not a temporary halt in fighting — could end the war.

On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote:

“It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement… and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.”

But for Zelenskiy, peace without pause in the bloodshed feels like a contradiction.

“Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), while still confirming he would meet with Trump again in Washington.

This upcoming meeting recalls a prior Oval Office encounter where Zelenskiy was sharply criticized by Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Now, a three-way summit with Putin is on the table — though Kremlin sources deny it has been seriously discussed.

Despite criticism from some European analysts who viewed Trump’s diplomacy as too soft, European allies remain supportive of Ukraine. Germany and Britain expressed cautious optimism but reiterated their commitment to backing Ukraine militarily and economically.

The brutal war, now the deadliest in Europe in 80 years, has taken an unimaginable toll — over a million casualties and unrelenting destruction, especially among Ukrainian civilians.

Trump’s post-summit remarks, including to Fox News, echoed Moscow’s narrative — emphasizing land concessions and security guarantees, but falling short of demanding full sovereignty for Ukraine.

“I think we’re pretty close to a deal,” Trump said, before adding, “Ukraine has to agree to it. Maybe they’ll say ‘no’.”

Zelenskiy remains firm: giving up more territory would require rewriting Ukraine’s constitution — something he’s not willing to do lightly. But he welcomed Trump’s growing interest in security guarantees, especially U.S. involvement in preventing future invasions.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney praised this development, stating that long-term security for Ukraine is “essential to any just and lasting peace.”

Putin, meanwhile, seemed satisfied simply to be back at the table with a major Western leader — even smiling as he told Trump, “Next time in Moscow.”

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