Under Trump and Putin's Peace Deal, Ukraine May Have to Give Up Eastern Regions and Abandon NATO Ambitions - Internewscast Journal
internewscast.com -- Saturday, August 16, 2025, 6:21:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Foreign Policy & International Relations, U.S.–Russia Relations, U.S.–NATO Relations
Ukraine may have to concede significant portions of its eastern regions and abandon its aspirations to join NATO, as outlined in peace terms negotiated by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
The nation's ambition to become part of the European Union is also uncertain after the two global leaders engaged in contentious discussions in Alaska on Friday.
The proposal from the White House suggests that Ukraine would be prevented from joining the Western defense alliance, though its redefined borders would receive backing from its US and European partners.
Allies have offered "ironclad" security assurances to protect Ukraine from future Russian aggression if a peace deal can be forged.
But it would stop short of Nato Article 5 status, which sees members of the alliance leap to the aid of any member that is attacked.
Ukraine's desire to join Nato has been blamed as a root cause of President Putin's invasion.
He has insisted "Nyet" -- Russian for "No" -- over the proposal.
But the future security of Ukraine is the number one condition of its president, Volodymyr Zelensky.
There's a possibility that British and other European forces could be deployed to maintain peace, with President Trump acknowledging that the US would have a crucial role in safeguarding Ukraine's future.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared: "The positive aspect is America's willingness to be involved in these security assurances and not relying solely on European efforts."
And PM Sir Keir Starmer said Trump's "leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing" should be commended.
Calls for an immediate ceasefire were dropped by world leaders yesterday, after Trump announced he was instead pursuing a more lasting "peace deal".
The agreements formulated during Friday's meeting are being distributed by the US, following a more than three-hour discussion in Anchorage, Alaska, between the US President and the Russian leader.
The Sun has been told a surrender deal would see Ukraine forced to reject Nato membership and other "multinational deals".
Negotiations would also begin about ceding control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine which are, in part, occupied by Russian troops.
There was confusion last night over whether the talks would focus on territory currently held by the Kremlin invaders, or whether the wider regions were on the table.
Yesterday, EU leaders insisted: "Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine's pathway to EU and Nato."
However, that does not rule out Zelensky deciding to withdraw Ukraine's stated aim to join both alliances as part of the wider deal.
He will fly to Washington DC on Monday to meet with President Trump at the White House -- six months after their disastrous Oval Office bust up, which saw the leader of the free world savage Zelensky live on TV.
Russia has long claimed Donetsk and Luhansk are more loyal to Moscow than Kyiv, while Zelensky has publicly ruled out giving up the land.
However, he is under massive pressure to concede and end the bloody three-and-a-half year conflict, which has seen more than a million deaths.
European leaders were locked in talks with the White House this weekend, as the world scrambled to catch up with what Trump had offered Putin to end the war.
Last night, UK government sources said the PM was playing a key role in selling the terms of the deal to wider Western allies in a series of calls following the talks between the Americans and Russians.
Trump yesterday insisted it is time for Zelensky to choose whether to agree with the terms of the deal -- as the pair prepared to meet tomorrow.
The White House has also offered to play host to a trilateral summit between the Russians and Ukrainians if the deal is within reach.
Speaking following Friday's talks, where he met with his Russian counterpart for the first time in six years, President Trump insisted it was "a great and very successful day in Alaska!"
He wrote on his Truth Social website: "The meeting with President Vladimir Putin went very well, as did a late night phone call with President Zelensky and various European Leaders, including the highly respected Secretary General of Nato.
"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, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.
"President Zelensky will be coming to D.C., the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon. If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin.
"Potentially, millions of people's lives will be saved. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Last night, Putin also welcomed progress made at the talks, after leaving the summit without taking questions from hundreds of assembled journalists.
In a televised address released by the Kremlin, he said: "The conversation was very frank, substantive, and, in my opinion, brings us closer to the necessary decisions."
He added: "We have not had direct negotiations of this kind at this level for a long time. We had the opportunity to calmly and in detail reiterate our position."
In a long statement, Zelensky welcomed the offer of security guarantees outlined by Trump, in a tentative sign he may be willing to sign up to the terms.
He wrote: "A real peace must be achieved, one that will be lasting, not just another pause between Russian invasions. Killings must stop as soon as possible, the fire must cease both on the battlefield and in the sky, as well as against our port infrastructure.
"All Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians must be released, and the children abducted by Russia must be returned.
"Thousands of our people remain in captivity -- they all must be brought home. Pressure on Russia must be maintained while the aggression and occupation continue."
He went on: "In my conversation with President Trump, I said that sanctions should be strengthened if there is no trilateral meeting or if Russia tries to evade an honest end to the war. Sanctions are an effective tool.
"Security must be guaranteed reliably and in the long term, with involvement of Europe and the US.
"All issues important to Ukraine must be discussed with Ukraine's participation, and no issue, particularly territorial ones, can be decided without Ukraine. I thank our partners who are helping."
Yesterday, the PM was taking part in a round of behind the scenes diplomacy, speaking to the White House and European capitals.
He heaped praise on Trump, saying his "efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russia's illegal war in Ukraine".
He went on: "His leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended."
But the PM warned: "While progress has been made, the next step must be further talks involving President Zelensky.
"The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him. I spoke to President Zelensky, President Trump and other European partners, and we all stand ready to support this next phase. I welcome the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal.
"In the meantime, until he stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people.
"Our unwavering support for Ukraine will continue for as long as it takes."
In a joint statement, Sir Keir and European leaders, including France's Emmanuel Macron and Italy's Giorgia Meloni, said: "We are clear Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"No limitations should be placed on Ukraine's armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine's pathway to EU and Nato."
Sign Our PetitionThe recent negotiations between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine raise profound historical and political questions, particularly given the implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its aspirations for integration into European and Western alliances. This dialogue, occurring in the shadow of a brutal invasion that has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and widespread devastation, prompts us to reflect on the historical context of Ukraine's struggle for self-determination and the broader implications of abandoning its NATO ambitions. The notion that Ukraine might be compelled to cede territory and abandon its NATO aspirations not only undermines its sovereignty but sets a dangerous precedent in international relations.
Historically, Ukraine's geopolitical position has made it a focal point of conflict between East and West. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a pivotal moment, granting Ukraine independence, but also instigating a series of power struggles, both internally and externally. The ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, is a direct result of Russia's imperial ambitions and its unwillingness to accept a post-Soviet order that does not include its former territories. The current negotiations, which echo the appeasement policies of the 1930s, threaten to enshrine a form of geopolitical coercion that prioritizes the interests of powerful nations over the rights and desires of smaller states.
The proposed concessions in these negotiations—especially the possibility of Ukraine relinquishing its NATO aspirations—underscore the perilous nature of Great Power politics. While the promises of "ironclad" security guarantees might offer a semblance of reassurance, they are ultimately insufficient in the face of the existential threat posed by Russian aggression. NATO’s Article 5, which commits members to collective defense, is a critical bulwark against such threats. By denying Ukraine the opportunity to join NATO, the negotiations risk leaving it vulnerable to future incursions, thereby emboldening a Russia that has already demonstrated a willingness to disregard international law in pursuit of its territorial ambitions.
Moreover, the acknowledgment of Trump’s leadership in pursuing peace raises questions about the motivations behind these negotiations. The legacy of Trump's foreign policy has often been characterized by transactionalism rather than a commitment to democratic values or human rights. The potential for undermining Ukraine's sovereignty in exchange for a temporary cessation of hostilities echoes the historical patterns of realpolitik, where the suffering of ordinary people is traded off for strategic gains. Such a framework not only disrespects the autonomy of nations but also diminishes the moral obligation of the international community to support those who are oppressed and under threat.
As Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to meet with Trump, the stakes could not be higher. The future of Ukraine hangs in the balance, and the implications of these negotiations extend far beyond its borders. This moment is a reflection of broader struggles faced by nations seeking self-determination and security in an increasingly polarized world. It is crucial for advocates of justice and peace to engage in these discussions, highlighting the importance of upholding international norms and supporting the rights of nations to choose their own alliances without coercion. As history teaches us, the compromise of sovereignty in the name of peace is often the precursor to deeper conflicts and suffering.
The recent negotiations between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine's future raise profound concerns about the geopolitical landscape and the principles that govern it. The potential for Ukraine to concede its eastern regions and abandon its NATO aspirations not only threatens the sovereignty of a nation that has long fought for its independence but also raises questions about the effectiveness and integrity of international alliances. Historically, NATO has represented a bulwark against authoritarian aggression, yet now we see discussions that could fundamentally reshape its role and undermine its foundational principles.
For decades, Ukraine has stood at the crossroads of East and West, seeking to affirm its identity and sovereignty in the face of Russian expansionism. The desire to join NATO and the European Union has been a cornerstone of its post-Soviet foreign policy, symbolizing a commitment to democratic governance and collective security. Negotiations that appear to disregard these aspirations not only betray the sacrifices made by the Ukrainian people but also signal a retreat from the principles of self-determination and respect for national sovereignty that have been enshrined in international law. The history of appeasement, particularly in the context of authoritarian regimes, teaches us that concessions often lead to further aggression rather than lasting peace.
The proposed conditions for peace, as outlined in the article, could indeed have dire implications. By potentially conceding territory and NATO membership, Ukraine risks not only its territorial integrity but also emboldening Putin’s ambitions in Eastern Europe. This is not merely a local dispute; it is a matter of international order and the future of democratic governance in the region. The notion of a "peace deal" that requires the victim to yield to the aggressor is a dangerous precedent that undermines the very concept of justice and accountability on the world stage.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for Americans to engage in critical dialogue and take action. Advocating for a robust U.S. response that supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be a priority for citizens concerned about international democracy. This can be achieved through grassroots movements, lobbying elected officials to oppose any agreements that compromise Ukrainian sovereignty, and amplifying the voices of Ukrainian civil society that call for solidarity and support. Furthermore, engaging in educational outreach about the implications of such negotiations can help mobilize public opinion and encourage a more principled foreign policy stance that prioritizes human rights and international law.
Finally, it is important to recognize that the situation in Ukraine is emblematic of broader geopolitical struggles where democratic values are under threat. The rise of authoritarianism globally necessitates a renewed commitment to international cooperation among democracies. The negotiations between Trump and Putin should serve as a wake-up call for Americans to reflect on the importance of standing firm against autocratic pressures and advocating for a foreign policy that prioritizes support for democratic nations. As citizens, the responsibility to shape the narrative and ensure that justice prevails lies in our hands; advocating for a foreign policy rooted in solidarity, respect for sovereignty, and human rights is not only a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for the future of democracy in the world.
The recent developments concerning the potential peace deal between the U.S. and Russia regarding Ukraine raise significant concerns about the future of Ukrainian sovereignty, security, and its aspirations for European integration. Here’s a list of personal actions and steps we can take to advocate for Ukraine's right to self-determination and to express our stance on these negotiations.
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Stay Informed**: Continuously educate yourself about the geopolitical dynamics at play in Ukraine, NATO, and Russian relations. Understanding these issues deeply will allow for more effective advocacy.
2. **Advocate for Ukrainian Sovereignty**: Speak out against any agreements that compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity or its right to self-determination.
3. **Engage in Local and National Activism**: Join or support organizations that advocate for international peace and solidarity with Ukraine.
### Exact Actions We Can Take
1. **Sign Petitions**: - **Petition to Support Ukraine’s NATO Membership**: Look for petitions on platforms like Change.org or MoveOn.org advocating for Ukraine's right to NATO membership and send them to your networks. - **Example Petition**: "Support Ukraine's Path to NATO Membership" on Change.org.
2. **Contact Elected Officials**: - Write to your congressional representatives, urging them to support Ukraine in maintaining its sovereignty and to resist any deals that would undermine its NATO aspirations. - **Who to Write To**: - Your local Congressman/Congresswoman (find their contact information via [House.gov](https://www.house.gov/)) - Senators from your state (find their contact information via [Senate.gov](https://www.senate.gov/))
Example email template: ``` Subject: Support Ukraine's Sovereignty
Dear [Representative/Senator's Name],
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent negotiations between the U.S. and Russia that may force Ukraine to abandon its aspirations for NATO membership and concede parts of its territory.
It is crucial that we support Ukraine’s right to self-determination and uphold its sovereignty. I urge you to oppose any agreements that would compromise these principles.
Thank you for your attention to this vital matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Email] ```
3. **Join Peaceful Protests**: Participate in or organize local protests or rallies in support of Ukraine. Use social media platforms to promote these events and encourage others to attend.
4. **Engage with Local Media**: Write letters to editors of local newspapers expressing your views on Ukraine’s situation and the importance of supporting its sovereignty.
5. **Support Ukrainian Organizations**: - Donate to organizations that work towards humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, such as Razom for Ukraine or the Ukrainian Red Cross.
6. **Educate Others**: Host discussions or workshops in your community to raise awareness about Ukraine's plight and the implications of potential peace deals. Use resources from reputable organizations to inform your sessions.
7. **Utilize Social Media**: Post regularly about Ukraine’s situation, share articles, and amplify voices that support Ukrainian sovereignty. Use hashtags such as #StandWithUkraine and #SupportUkraine to reach a wider audience.
### Resources for Contacting Officials - **White House**: - Email: comments@whitehouse.gov - Mailing Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
- **U.S. Department of State**: - Email: info@state.gov - Mailing Address: 2201 C St NW, Washington, DC 20520
By taking these actions, individuals can contribute to a collective response that prioritizes the safety and sovereignty of Ukraine in this critical moment. Each step, whether small or large, contributes to a broader movement advocating for justice and peace in Eastern Europe.