Trump pressures Zelenskyy to give up Donbas for Putin's guarantees - NYT
Photo: US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Trump is pushing Zelenskyy toward a deal proposed by Putin. The plan would involve Ukrainian troops withdrawing from Donbas in exchange for a peace deal, The New York Times informs.
Trump also aims to win support from key European allies of Ukraine for this comprehensive peace deal. Under the plan, Ukraine would be required to hand over the parts of Donbas not occupied by Russian forces.
Ukraine cannot ignore these negotiations, as doing so would give Russia an advantage. Zelenskyy is set to meet Trump in Washington on August 18 to discuss the issue.
"It breaks from a strategy Mr. Trump and European allies, as well as Mr. Zelenskyy, had agreed to before the US-Russia summit in Alaska," the NYT notes.
Shifts in positions and Putin's proposal
The NYT Sources said that Trump changed his position after the Alaska summit. The focus has moved from a ceasefire to a "quick peace deal." But in Trump's view, Zelenskyy would have to hand over the rest of Donbas to Russia, including areas not currently occupied by Russian troops.
Putin, in response, has offered a ceasefire, a frozen front line, and a written pledge not to attack Ukraine or any European country. However, Russia has a record of breaking its promises, leaving little trust in Putin's assurances.
Europe's reaction
Europe responded coldly to Trump's actions. Beyond criticizing him for failing to enforce threats of sanctions against Russia, the American president has again earned a reputation for shifting positions under pressure from the Russian dictator.
Despite Trump's social media claims that Europe supports his stance, European leaders have made it clear, both publicly and privately, that they do not.
A joint statement from European leaders does not echo Trump's assertions. While the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and other countries welcomed Trump's efforts to advance peace in Ukraine, their support ended there. Europe warned that sanctions against Russia could intensify regardless of the US position.
"Responsibility lies with Zelenskyy"
Trump confirmed plans to host Zelenskyy at the White House on August 18. He is likely to push the Ukrainian president to accept Putin's terms during the meeting.
In a post-Alaska summit interview on Fox News, Trump placed responsibility for achieving peace on Zelenskyy and European nations.
"Now, it's really up to President Zelenskyy to get it done. And I would also say the European nations have to get involved a little bit," he said.
Zelenskyy announced he will travel to Washington on Monday, August 18, to discuss details of ending the war with Trump.
Trump suggested that if the meeting with Zelenskyy goes well, a trilateral summit could take place in the format Zelenskyy–Putin–Trump.
