Large Ukraine map displayed in White House before closed talks – BBC
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
A large map of Ukraine was displayed in the Oval Office before the start of closed-door negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, BBC reported.
It is reported that the map was placed opposite the table where Trump and Zelenskyy were seated.
The eastern part of the country, shaded in pink, illustrated the territory currently controlled by Russian forces — about 20%.
According to the BBC, the map could allegedly "provide a graphic means for Trump to up the pressure on Zelenskyy to trade land for peace."
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Territorial exchange
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he plans to organize a territorial exchange between Ukraine and Russia.
At the same time, Axios, citing sources, wrote that the American leader considers a territorial exchange a necessary part of an agreement to end Russia's war against Ukraine.
Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that Putin demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian defenders from Donetsk region in order to achieve a ceasefire.
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that he will not withdraw Ukrainian defenders from Donbas.
The head of state also drew attention to the fact that a territorial exchange is a very complex issue that must be considered together with security guarantees for Ukraine.
For his part, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Ukrainian Parliament) Ruslan Stefanchuk stated that a territorial exchange is prohibited both by Ukrainian legislation and by the Constitution.
