Axios reveals new details of Trump's territory exchange plan
Photo: Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump (Getty Images)
The new plan by US President Donald Trump to end the war in Ukraine envisions giving Russia control over part of the territory that Kyiv does not currently hold. In exchange, Ukraine and the EU would receive security guarantees against possible future Russian aggression, Axio reports.
The White House believes Ukraine will lose this territory anyway if the war continues. One US official told the outlet that it is "in Ukraine's interest" to reach a deal now.
Axios notes that one of the most difficult issues in negotiations over Ukraine has been determining who will control what territory once the war ends.
Trump's plan proposes granting Russia full de facto control of the Donbas, even though Ukraine still controls about 12% of it.
Under the proposal, Ukraine would have to withdraw its forces from the areas it holds, which would then become a demilitarized zone. It is expected that Russia will not be able to station its troops there.
The front line in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions would be frozen. Ukraine would be promised the return of part of the territory in those regions, subject to negotiations.
In addition, the United States and other countries would recognize Crimea and the Donbas as Russian territory, though Ukraine itself would not be required to do so.
Qatar and Türkiye are involved in working out Trump's peace plan. Qatar, in particular, has participated in talks between Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Ukraine's national security chief, Rustem Umerov.
According to Axios' source, the parties reached "many understandings" during the discussions.
Trump’s peace plan
As previously reported, the Trump administration has been holding secret consultations with Russia to work out a new 28-point plan to end the war in Ukraine.
A US official told the media that the plan is being led by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has already discussed it with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
The White House has begun informing not only Ukrainian but also European officials about the proposal. The Trump administration believes there is a real chance to gain support from both Ukraine and European countries, and that the plan will be adapted based on proposals from different parties.
