US makes new statement on Ukraine-Russia territory swap talks
Photo: US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker (Getty Images)
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said there will be no territorial concessions in the war in Ukraine without a fight. He made the comment in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent statement, reports Clash Report.
"I took Zelensky's comments at face value, which is that no big chunks or sections are going to be given that haven't been fought for or earned on the battlefield," Whitaker said, addressing Ukraine's territorial concessions.
He also added that the US needs the war to end and that an agreement would, in turn, save thousands of lives.
Whitaker also noted that the Alaska meeting could include not only US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin but also "the two conflict participants," meaning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to Whitaker, Trump is the only one capable of brokering a deal. He described Trump as a peacemaker and said the US president typically concludes one peace agreement per month.
As an example, Whitaker pointed to the peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia signed on August 8 at the White House.
"I think President Trump is best situated to see if a deal can be had and if both sides can agree to ending the slaughter," Whitaker concluded.
Background
US President Donald Trump recently announced he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15.
The war in Ukraine will be one of the main topics.
Ahead of the announcement, Trump suggested there could be a territory swap between Ukraine and Russia.
Before this, Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff visited Moscow and met with Putin.
Shortly after, reports emerged that Putin might agree to a ceasefire if Ukraine withdraws its troops. According to Bild, Witkoff misunderstood Putin. Putin's demands still include the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.
On the morning of August 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video message. He said Ukraine would not give up its territories to Russia.
