Trump Performs Major U-Turn As He Urges Zelenskyy To Do A 'Deal' With Putin To End The War
huffingtonpost.co.uk -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 2:29:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: U.S.–Russia Relations, Foreign Policy & International Relations, U.S.–NATO Relations

Donald Trump has performed a major U-turn as it emerged Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine to give up a huge part of its land in exchange for peace.
The US president has ditched his demands for a Russian ceasefire as an essential precursor to ending the three-and-a-half years-long war.
Trump revealed the climbdown as he claimed his summit with Putin had been "great and very successful", despite it breaking up without any agreement on ending the war.
It has now been revealed that the Russian president wants Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the Donbas region before he will agree to end the war.
According to the Reuters news agency, the proposed deal would see Kyiv fully withdraw from the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions in return for a Russian pledge to freeze the front lines in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
However, Ukraine has already rejected any retreat from Ukrainian land such as the Donetsk region, where its troops are dug in and which Kyiv says serves as a crucial defensive structure to prevent Russian attacks deeper into its territory.
Trump, who will meet with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House on Monday, said after the summit that he and Putin "has largely agreed" on land transfers and security guarantees for Ukraine.
He told Fox News: "I think we're pretty close to a deal," he said, adding: "Ukraine has to agree to it. Maybe they'll say 'no'."
Trump had previously said he wanted Russia to agree to a ceasefire before the terms of a full-blown peace deal could be signed off.
But in a post on his Truth Social account following his talks with Putin, the US president said: "The meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia went very well, as did a late night phone call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, 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."
His climbdown will be seen as a huge win for Putin, who has shown now willingness to end Russia's bombardment of Ukraine in recent months.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent statements by former President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine signal a significant and troubling shift in U.S. foreign policy discourse. By suggesting that Ukraine should consider a deal with Russia that could involve ceding territory—specifically in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk—Trump not only undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty but also potentially emboldens authoritarian regimes. This pivot echoes a historical pattern where larger powers often impose compromises on smaller nations, disregarding their agency and the desires of their people for self-determination. Such a stance raises critical questions about the ethics of diplomacy and the long-term consequences of appeasement in international relations.
Historically, the notion of negotiating peace at the expense of territorial integrity has been fraught with peril. The legacy of the Munich Agreement in 1938 serves as a cautionary tale, where Western powers' concessions to Hitler only emboldened Nazi aggression, leading to a devastating global conflict. In the context of Ukraine, the suggestion that it should give up land in exchange for peace mirrors the shortsightedness of appeasement. Ukraine’s fight is not merely about territorial disputes; it represents the broader struggle for democratic governance, national sovereignty, and the rule of law against autocratic aggression. To propose that Ukraine surrender parts of its territory is to risk not just their immediate security, but to set a dangerous precedent for international relations moving forward.
Moreover, Trump’s rhetoric reveals a troubling willingness to prioritize political expediency over ethical considerations regarding human rights and national identity. Ukraine's resistance is not merely a military endeavor; it is a fight for cultural and national identity against an aggressor that seeks to erase it. For many Ukrainians, the conflict is deeply personal, tied to their histories, families, and futures. Thus, any proposal to negotiate away their land must be understood as an affront to their dignity and a violation of their right to self-determination. This perspective is essential in discussions with those who might view the conflict through a purely transactional lens, focusing on expedient resolutions rather than the moral imperatives at stake.
The implications of Trump's shift are magnified in the context of global politics, where authoritarian regimes are increasingly testing the limits of democratic institutions. By accommodating Putin’s demands, Trump sends a signal to other authoritarian leaders that aggressive actions may yield favorable negotiations. This perspective raises alarm bells for allies in Eastern Europe and beyond, who rely on U.S. support as a bulwark against Kremlin expansionism. The stability of democracy in the region hangs in the balance, and any perceived weakness in the U.S. stance could encourage further aggression from Russia or even embolden other authoritarian regimes around the world.
Finally, it is crucial for advocates of democracy and human rights to engage with these discussions, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This involves not merely rejecting territorial concessions but also framing the conflict within the larger narrative of global democracy versus authoritarianism. A robust defense of Ukraine is not just about one country but about standing up against a broader threat to democratic values worldwide. By articulating these points clearly and passionately, advocates can help sway public opinion and political discourse towards a more principled, ethically sound approach to international relations—one that respects the rights of nations to determine their own futures.
The recent developments regarding Donald Trump’s shift in stance toward the war between Ukraine and Russia reveal a troubling trend in American foreign policy that requires immediate attention and action. Trump’s encouragement for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, even if it means ceding territory, raises critical questions about the U.S. commitment to upholding international law and supporting sovereign nations against aggression. This shift not only signals a departure from established American foreign policy norms but also reveals a concerning willingness to negotiate with a dictator who has demonstrated little regard for human rights and sovereignty.
Historically, the United States has positioned itself as a champion of democracy and a bulwark against authoritarian regimes. The post-World War II order was built on principles that sought to prevent territorial expansion through aggression, as seen in the establishment of institutions like the United Nations. The current conflict in Ukraine is an essential test of these principles. By suggesting that Ukraine should concede territory to achieve peace, Trump undermines decades of international agreements and the very notion of national sovereignty. The implications of this stance resonate beyond Europe; they set a dangerous precedent for autocrats worldwide who might see territorial aggression as a viable tactic if they believe they can secure favorable negotiations with influential powers.
As concerned citizens of the United States, it is crucial to respond to these developments with urgency and intent. Engaging in grassroots advocacy can play a vital role in reinforcing our commitment to international norms and supporting Ukraine. This could include organizing rallies, writing to elected officials, or participating in community discussions to educate others about the importance of standing firm against aggression. Mobilizing public opinion can help pressure political leaders to adopt a more principled stance that prioritizes the sovereignty of nations and the lives of civilians in conflict zones. By fostering a culture of informed activism, we can help ensure that American foreign policy reflects the values of democracy and justice rather than capitulation to authoritarianism.
Moreover, we can leverage the power of social media and digital platforms to raise awareness about the realities on the ground in Ukraine. Highlighting personal stories of those affected by the war, sharing information about Russia's human rights violations, and amplifying the voices of Ukrainian activists can create a compelling narrative that counters the disinformation often propagated by authoritarian regimes. This grassroots storytelling can build empathy, spur action, and create a wider base of support for policies that defend Ukraine’s right to self-determination and territorial integrity. By framing the conversation in terms of human rights and justice rather than mere geopolitics, we can engage a broader audience and create more significant pressure for a principled U.S. response.
Finally, it is essential to hold political leaders accountable, regardless of their party affiliation. Trump’s recent remarks should prompt a critical examination of U.S. foreign policy and an evaluation of who benefits from such a dramatic pivot. Engaging in dialogue with those who may disagree with us, including individuals who support Trump’s approach, can be an effective means of challenging their perspectives on the importance of international alliances and the costs of appeasement. By presenting facts, historical examples, and ethical arguments, we can encourage a more nuanced understanding of the implications of supporting negotiations with aggressors like Putin.
In conclusion, the shift in Trump's position regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict is not merely a political maneuver; it represents a broader challenge to the principles of democracy and international law that have defined U.S. foreign policy for generations. As engaged citizens, we must respond by advocating for a robust and principled stance that supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and upholds the values of democracy against authoritarianism. By mobilizing public opinion, raising awareness, and engaging in dialogue, we can work collectively to ensure that the United States plays a constructive role in promoting peace and justice on the global stage.
The recent developments surrounding the potential negotiation between Ukraine and Russia highlight the complexities of international diplomacy and the urgent need for public engagement in advocating for peace and justice. Here are actionable ideas for individuals to consider in response to the situation:
### Personal Action Ideas
1. **Educate Yourself and Others** - Stay informed about the ongoing conflict, the historical context of Ukraine-Russia relations, and the implications of territorial negotiations. Share this information with friends, family, and social networks to raise awareness.
2. **Support Ukrainian Sovereignty** - Engage with organizations that advocate for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and support its people. Consider donating to reputable charities that provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.
3. **Contact Elected Officials** - Write to your local and national representatives urging them to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and resist any proposals that would lead to territorial concessions. Provide them with facts and express your concerns about the implications of such negotiations.
**Sample Contacts:** - **U.S. House of Representatives** - Find your representative's contact information: [House.gov](https://www.house.gov) - **U.S. Senate** - Find your senator's contact information: [Senate.gov](https://www.senate.gov)
4. **Organize or Participate in Peace Rallies** - Join or organize local demonstrations advocating for peace and the rights of Ukraine. Such events can attract media attention and influence public discourse.
5. **Petition for Government Action** - Create or sign petitions that call for the U.S. government to take a firm stance against any agreements that would compromise Ukraine's territorial integrity. Websites like Change.org can be useful for creating and sharing petitions.
**Example Petition:** - "Demand Accountability for Ukrainian Sovereignty" on Change.org. [Change.org](https://www.change.org)
6. **Engage with Peace Advocacy Groups** - Connect with organizations dedicated to promoting peace and international justice, such as: - **Human Rights Watch**: [hrw.org](https://www.hrw.org) - **Amnesty International**: [amnesty.org](https://www.amnesty.org) - Volunteer your time or skills to help raise awareness about their campaigns.
7. **Use Social Media for Advocacy** - Utilize platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to amplify messages promoting peace and supporting Ukraine. Follow and engage with influential activists, organizations, and leaders who are advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
8. **Write Opinion Pieces** - Write letters to the editor or opinion pieces for local newspapers expressing your views on the need for a strong stance in support of Ukraine. Highlight the human cost of the conflict and the importance of maintaining sovereignty.
### Communication Tips
- **What to Say in Your Communications:** - Express your support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. - Urge your representatives to take a strong stance against any negotiations that could undermine Ukraine's position and encourage continued support for diplomatic efforts that respect Ukraine’s rights. - Highlight the importance of humanitarian aid for civilians affected by the conflict. - Request that they prioritize peace talks that do not involve concessions of Ukrainian territory.
By taking these actions, individuals can contribute to a broader movement advocating for peace, justice, and support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing challenges. Your voice matters—engage, educate, and advocate for a just resolution to this conflict.