AsiaOne
asiaone.com -- Saturday, August 16, 2025, 9:53:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: U.S.–Russia Relations, Foreign Policy & International Relations, Social Media & Public Statements
WASHINGTON/MOSCOW/KYIV - US President Donald Trump said on Saturday (Aug 16) that Ukraine should make a deal to end the war with Russia because "Russia is a very big power, and they're not", after a summit where Vladimir Putin was reported to have demanded more Ukrainian land.
After the two leaders met in Alaska on Friday, Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Putin had offered to freeze most front lines if Kyiv ceded all of Donetsk, the industrial region that is one of Moscow's main targets, a source familiar with the matter said.
Zelenskiy rejected the demand, the source said. Russia already controls a fifth of Ukraine, including about three-quarters of Donetsk province, which it first entered in 2014.
Trump also said he agreed with Putin that a peace deal should be sought without the prior ceasefire that Ukraine and its European allies had demanded. That was a change from his position before the summit, when he said he would not be happy unless a ceasefire was agreed on.
"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," Trump posted on Truth Social.
Zelenskiy said Russia's unwillingness to pause the fighting would complicate efforts to forge a lasting peace. "Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war," he said on X.
Nevertheless, Zelenskiy said he would meet Trump in Washington on Monday.
That will evoke memories of a meeting in the White House Oval Office in February, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance gave Zelenskiy a brutal public dressing-down. Trump said a three-way meeting with Putin and Zelenskiy could follow.
Kyiv's European allies welcomed Trump's efforts but vowed to back Ukraine and tighten sanctions on Russia. European leaders might join Monday's White House meeting as well, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has been gradually advancing for months. The war - the deadliest in Europe for 80 years - has killed or wounded well over a million people from both sides, including thousands of mostly Ukrainian civilians, according to analysts.
Trump's various comments on the three-hour meeting with Putin mostly aligned with the public positions of Moscow, which says a full settlement will be complex because positions are "diametrically opposed".
Putin signalled no movement in Russia's long-held demands, which also include a veto on Kyiv's desired membership in the Nato alliance. He made no mention in public of meeting Zelenskiy. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said a three-way summit had not been discussed.
In an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity, Trump signalled that he and Putin had discussed land transfers and security guarantees for Ukraine, and had "largely agreed".
"I think we're pretty close to a deal," he said, adding: "Ukraine has to agree to it. Maybe they'll say 'no'."
Asked what he would advise Zelenskiy to do, Trump said: "Gotta make a deal."
"Look, Russia is a very big power, and they're not," he added.
Zelenskiy has consistently said he cannot concede territory without changes to Ukraine's constitution, and Kyiv sees Donetsk's "fortress cities" such as Sloviansk and Kramatorsk as a bulwark against further Russian advances.
Zelenskiy has also insisted on security guarantees to deter Russia from invading again. He said he and Trump had discussed "positive signals" on the US taking part, and that Ukraine needed a lasting peace, not "just another pause" between Russian invasions.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed what he described as Trump's openness to providing security guarantees to Ukraine under a peace deal. He said security guarantees were "essential to any just and lasting peace."
[[nid:721416]]
Putin, who has opposed involving foreign ground forces, said he agreed with Trump that Ukraine's security must be "ensured".
For Putin, just sitting down with Trump represented a victory. He had been ostracised by Western leaders since the start of the war, and just a week earlier had faced a threat of new sanctions from Trump.
Trump spoke to European leaders after returning to Washington. Several stressed the need to keep pressure on Russia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said an end to the war was closer than ever, thanks to Trump, but said he would impose more sanctions on Russia if the war continues.
European leaders said in a statement that Ukraine must have "ironclad" security guarantees and no limits should be placed on its armed forces or right to seek Nati membership, as Russia has sought.
Some European commentators were scathing about the summit.
"Putin got his red carpet treatment with Trump, while Trump got nothing," Wolfgang Ischinger, former German ambassador to Washington, posted on X.
Both Russia and Ukraine carried out overnight air attacks, a daily occurrence, while fighting raged on the front.
Trump told Fox he would postpone imposing tariffs on China for buying Russian oil, but he might have to "think about it" in two or three weeks.
He ended his remarks after the summit by telling Putin: "We'll speak to you very soon and probably see you again very soon."
"Next time in Moscow," a smiling Putin responded in English.
Sign Our PetitionThe ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has drawn international attention not just for its devastating humanitarian impact, but also for the geopolitical power plays that frame it. The recent remarks from former President Donald Trump regarding the war raise significant concerns about the future of Ukraine and the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. Trump's suggestion that Ukraine should negotiate a peace deal that involves ceding territory to Russia is reminiscent of historical patterns where powerful nations have imposed their will on weaker states, a trend that often leads to dire consequences for the latter.
Historically, the notion of "great power" diplomacy has often resulted in the marginalization of smaller nations and their interests. The Munich Agreement of 1938 serves as a cautionary tale, where the leaders of Britain and France allowed Nazi Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia, believing it would appease Hitler and prevent war. Instead, it emboldened Germany and ultimately led to a catastrophic conflict. Trump's comments echo these dangerous precedents, suggesting that yielding to aggressive territorial demands is a viable solution to conflict. It's essential to recognize that such concessions often do not bring peace but rather signal weakness and invite further aggression.
The implications of Trump's statements are particularly troubling in light of the ongoing social and political struggles in Ukraine. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, the war has resulted in immense suffering, with over a million people killed or wounded, many of whom are civilians. The plight of displaced families and the destruction of vital infrastructure highlight the urgent need for a resolution that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Proposing a peace agreement that entails surrendering parts of Ukraine undermines not only the immediate needs of the Ukrainian people but also the principles of international law, which uphold the right of nations to self-determination.
Moreover, Trump's alignment with Putin's narrative, which dismisses the necessity of a ceasefire as a precursor to peace negotiations, raises questions about the motives driving his foreign policy views. His comments appear to overshadow the voices of Ukrainians who plead for an end to the violence and the restoration of their sovereignty. The insistence on bypassing a ceasefire undermines any chance of a meaningful and lasting peace, as the absence of a pause in fighting only escalates the humanitarian crisis and complicates future negotiations. A ceasefire is not merely a tactical pause; it is a crucial step in establishing trust and creating a conducive environment for dialogue.
As this situation unfolds, it is imperative for advocates of justice and equality to remain vigilant and vocal. Historical patterns of power dynamics dictate that the narratives surrounding conflicts are often shaped by those in positions of power, sidelining the voices of those most affected. The ongoing struggle in Ukraine is emblematic of a broader fight against imperialism and aggression. The international community, especially nations that value democracy and human rights, must stand firm in support of Ukraine's right to self-determination and territorial integrity. By doing so, we not only advocate for the people of Ukraine but also reinforce the principles that underpin a just and equitable world order.
The recent comments made by former President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia highlight a troubling trend in American foreign policy discussions. His suggestion that Ukraine should consider conceding territory to Russia in order to achieve peace not only undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine but also echoes a dangerous historical precedent. The concept of appeasement, which historically led to increased aggression by authoritarian regimes, should serve as a cautionary tale in our current geopolitical landscape. This proposal should be critically examined and challenged, especially when the stakes involve a nation's independence and the lives of its citizens.
Historically, the notion of negotiating with aggressors by ceding territory has often resulted in further conflict rather than lasting peace. The Munich Agreement of 1938, where Britain and France allowed Nazi Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia, stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of such strategies. Over time, it became evident that such concessions emboldened Hitler’s regime, leading to the outbreak of World War II. Today, Trump’s advocacy for similar concessions to Russia, a country that has displayed increasing militaristic aggression since its annexation of Crimea in 2014, raises alarm bells about the lessons we have failed to learn from history.
Moreover, the political dynamics surrounding this conflict are not just limited to the Russia-Ukraine situation. Trump's comments reflect a broader pattern within certain factions of American political discourse that prioritize transactional diplomacy over principled support for democratic values and international law. By suggesting that Ukraine should yield to Russian demands, Trump not only disregards Ukraine's right to self-determination but also signals to authoritarian regimes worldwide that aggression can be rewarded. This stance is detrimental to the global order and undermines the very principles upon which many post-World War II international agreements were founded.
As concerned citizens and advocates for a just foreign policy, there are several concrete actions we can take to counter such dangerous rhetoric. First, engaging in grassroots advocacy is essential. Writing to elected representatives to express opposition to policies that suggest appeasement of aggressor states can help influence their positions. Organizing community discussions and educational forums about the importance of supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and examining historical precedents can raise awareness and mobilize public opinion. Additionally, supporting organizations that provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine can reinforce our commitment to Ukrainian independence and support for its citizens as they navigate this crisis.
Furthermore, it is vital to bolster diplomatic efforts that prioritize peace through justice rather than surrendering to coercion. Advocating for stronger sanctions against Russia and promoting diplomatic dialogues that respect Ukrainian sovereignty can serve as a countermeasure to the dangerous ideas being propagated by figures like Trump. Supporting policies that strengthen NATO and European alliances also sends a strong signal to both Moscow and Kyiv that the global community stands firmly behind democratic nations against aggression. By actively engaging in these discussions and actions, we can help shape a foreign policy that upholds international law and supports self-determination, rather than capitulation to authoritarian demands.
In conclusion, the conversation around Ukraine’s sovereignty and the implications of foreign policy choices is critical in today’s geopolitical climate. Trump’s remarks serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and informed advocacy against the normalization of appeasement. By learning from history and actively participating in the discourse surrounding this conflict, Americans can play a pivotal role in shaping a future that prioritizes justice and the rights of nations to defend their sovereignty. We must ensure that our actions reflect a commitment to peace that does not come at the expense of liberty and self-determination for those who are most affected by these geopolitical maneuvers.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has profound implications for global stability, human rights, and international law. Here are some actionable steps you can take to contribute to a peaceful resolution and support Ukraine in its struggle:
### 1. **Raise Awareness and Educate Others** - **Action**: Share information about the Ukraine conflict and its implications on social media or community forums. - **Example**: Organize a local discussion group or a webinar inviting experts to discuss the impact of the war on civilians, international relations, and human rights.
### 2. **Support Humanitarian Aid Efforts** - **Action**: Donate to organizations providing aid to Ukrainian civilians affected by the war. - **Example**: Contribute to organizations like **Doctors Without Borders** or **Save the Children**. Research local charities focused on aiding refugees and displaced persons. - **Website**: [Doctors Without Borders](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/) | [Save the Children](https://www.savethechildren.org/)
### 3. **Advocate for Peaceful Resolutions** - **Action**: Write to your congressional representatives urging them to prioritize diplomatic solutions to the conflict. - **Who to Write To**: - **Senate**: Contact your Senators through the U.S. Senate website or their individual office websites. Find your Senators’ emails and mailing addresses. - **House of Representatives**: Use the House website to find your Congressman’s contact information. - **Example Message**: - “Dear [Representative’s Name], I urge you to support diplomatic efforts to bring a lasting peace to Ukraine. It is essential that we prioritize dialogue and humanitarian support over military escalation. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.”
### 4. **Sign Petitions for Policy Changes** - **Action**: Sign and share petitions that advocate for supporting Ukraine through non-military means and increased humanitarian aid. - **Example Petitions**: - **Change.org**: Search for petitions related to Ukraine and support those that call for humanitarian aid and diplomatic resolutions. - **Avaaz**: Look for campaigns focused on supporting Ukrainian civilians and advocating for peace. ### 5. **Contact European Leaders and Institutions** - **Action**: Reach out to European leaders and institutions urging them to maintain and increase support for Ukraine. - **Who to Write To**: - **European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen** - Email: contact@ec.europa.eu - Mailing Address: European Commission, 1049 Brussels, Belgium - **NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg** - Email: info@hq.nato.int - Mailing Address: NATO Headquarters, Boulevard Léopold III, 1110 Brussels, Belgium - **Example Message**: - “Dear [Leader’s Name], I urge you to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and democracy. It is vital that Europe stands united in the face of aggression to promote peace and stability in the region.”
### 6. **Engage with Local Representatives** - **Action**: Attend town hall meetings or local government sessions to voice your concerns regarding U.S. foreign policy in Ukraine. - **Example**: Prepare a statement highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution and the importance of supporting humanitarian efforts.
### 7. **Participate in Peaceful Demonstrations** - **Action**: Join or organize peaceful protests advocating for peace in Ukraine. - **Example**: Participate in events on International Human Rights Day or similar observances to highlight the plight of Ukrainian civilians.
### 8. **Promote Refugee Support Initiatives** - **Action**: Volunteer with or donate to local organizations that support Ukrainian refugees. - **Example**: Contact organizations like **HIAS** or local refugee support groups to find out how you can assist.
By taking these actions, you can contribute to a broader movement advocating for peace, support for Ukraine, and the protection of human rights for all affected by this conflict. Each effort, no matter how small, can help raise awareness and encourage others to join in advocating for a just resolution.