Putin demands 'Ukrainian withdrawal from East, rejects ceasefire'. Will Zelensky agree? | Today News
livemint.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 9:25:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: U.S.–Russia Relations, Foreign Policy & International Relations, U.S.–NATO Relations
At the Alaska summit, Putin proposed land transfers and security guarantees, suggesting Ukraine cede eastern territories. Zelensky plans to discuss this with Trump, who hinted at a possible deal.
Russia would give up small areas of occupied Ukrainian territory, while Ukraine would agree to hand over larger parts of its eastern region that Russia has so far failed to seize, according to peace proposals reportedly discussed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump during their summit in Alaska, Reuters reported citing sources.
Also Read: Zelensky-Trump meeting: European leaders to join Ukraine President in Washington for talks
The report follows the recent meeting between Trump and Putin at a U.S. air force base in Alaska, their first face-to-face discussion since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Washington on Monday to meet with Trump and explore a potential resolution to the war, which began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. Reuters reported.
Although the summit failed to secure the ceasefire he said he had wanted, Trump said in an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity 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'."
The two sources, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said their knowledge of Putin's proposals was mostly based on discussions between leaders in Europe, the U.S. and Ukraine, and noted it was not complete.
Also Read: Trump thinks Ukraine deal 'close', says 'Zelensky, Putin and I guess me too' to meet next
Trump briefed Zelensky and European leaders on his summit discussions early on Saturday.
It was not immediately clear if the proposals by Putin were an opening gambit to serve as a starting point for negotiations or more like a final offer that was not subject to discussion.
Putin's proposal reportedly excludes a ceasefire until a full agreement is reached directly opposing a major condition set by President Zelensky, as Ukraine continues to endure daily strikes from Russian drones and missiles.
Under the proposed Russian deal, Kyiv would 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, the sources said.
However, Ukraine has already rejected the idea of pulling back from any part of its territory, including Donetsk, where Ukrainian forces are firmly entrenched. Kyiv views the area as a vital defensive line to stop Russian advances further into the country.
Russia holds pockets of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions that total around 440 square km, according to Ukraine's Deep State battlefield mapping project. Ukraine controls around 6,600 square km of Donbas, which comprises the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and is claimed by Russia.
Also Read: 'This is his war' -- Zelensky urges Vladimir Putin to show up for talks; Kremlin offers no clarity
Although the Americans have not spelled this out, the sources said they knew Russia's leader was also seeking - at the very least - formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.
It was not clear if that meant recognition by the U.S. government or, for instance, all Western powers and Ukraine. Kyiv and its European allies reject formal recognition of Moscow's rule in the peninsula.
They said Putin would also expect the lifting of at least some of the array of sanctions on Russia. However, they could not say if this applied to U.S. as well as European sanctions.
Trump said on Friday he did not immediately need to consider retaliatory tariffs on countries such as China for buying Russian oil - which is subject to a range of Western sanctions - but might have to "in two or three weeks."
Ukraine would also be barred from joining the NATO military alliance, though Putin seemed to be open to Ukraine receiving some kind of security guarantees, the sources told Reuters.
However, they added that it was unclear what this meant in practice. European leaders said Trump had discussed security guarantees for Ukraine during their conversation on Saturday and also broached an idea for an "Article 5"-style guarantee outside the NATO military alliance.
NATO regards any attack launched on one of its 32 members as an attack on all under its Article 5 clause.
Joining the Atlantic alliance is a strategic objective for Kyiv that is enshrined in the country's constitution.
Russia would also demand official status for the Russian language inside parts of, or across, Ukraine, as well as the right of the Russian Orthodox Church to operate freely, the sources told Reuters.
Ukraine's security agency accuses the Moscow-linked church of abetting Russia's war on Ukraine by spreading pro-Russian propaganda and housing spies, something denied by the church which says it has cut canonical ties with Moscow.
Ukraine has passed a law banning Russia-linked religious organisations, of which it considers the church to be one. However, it has not yet started enforcing the ban.
Sign Our PetitionThe current geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine and Russia are not merely a product of the recent invasion, but are deeply rooted in decades of historical grievances, territorial disputes, and power dynamics that stretch back well before the conflict escalated in 2022. The recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska reflects a troubling trend of realpolitik that downplays the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations in favor of supposed diplomatic expediency. This negotiation, which involves proposals for land transfers in exchange for security guarantees, raises important questions about the legitimacy of such compromises and the broader implications for international law and justice.
Historically, the struggle for Ukraine’s independence can be traced back through centuries of foreign domination, including the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. The 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union marked a pivotal moment for Ukraine, allowing it to assert its sovereignty and independence. However, since then, Ukraine has faced ongoing challenges to its territorial integrity, particularly with the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and now the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. These areas have become symbolic battlegrounds for national identity, as they are seen not only as critical territories but also as integral to Ukraine’s self-determination and resistance against external aggression.
The recent proposals put forth by Putin, which entail Ukrainian concessions of territory, blatantly disregard the principles of self-determination and the right of nations to protect their borders. By suggesting that Ukraine should withdraw from eastern territories in exchange for a freeze on Russian advances, the negotiations imply that might makes right—a notion that undermines international law and the very foundations of collective security established after World War II. The United Nations Charter explicitly affirms the right of nations to territorial integrity, making such discussions not only politically questionable but also morally indefensible.
Furthermore, the role of the United States, particularly under Trump’s administration, complicates these negotiations. The potential for U.S.-Russian cooperation at the expense of Ukrainian sovereignty raises alarms about the United States' commitment to democracy and human rights. The idea that President Zelensky would consider any land transfers as part of a deal is particularly concerning; it reflects a dangerous precedent where the sovereignty of smaller nations is negotiated away by larger powers without their full consent. The implications of such decisions extend beyond Ukraine, signaling to other nations that their territorial claims might also be disregarded in the name of diplomatic negotiations.
The ongoing struggle in Ukraine resonates with broader social justice movements around the globe. It illustrates the importance of defending not only national sovereignty but also the rights of oppressed populations who seek self-determination. The voices of the Ukrainian people, who have rallied to protect their land and identity against aggression, symbolize resistance against imperialism and the fight for justice in international relations. As the world watches these negotiations unfold, it is crucial to emphasize that any resolution to the conflict must prioritize the voices of the Ukrainians who bear the brunt of this war, ensuring that their rights and territories are not sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. In the context of global movements for justice, it becomes imperative to advocate for a resolution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and the self-determination of its people.
The recent discussions surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine, particularly the proposals made by Russian President Vladimir Putin for land transfers and security guarantees, underscore a complex geopolitical landscape. The ramifications of these negotiations extend far beyond the immediate conflict, touching on issues of sovereignty, international law, and the balance of power in Europe. As the United States engages with both Ukraine and Russia in diplomatic discussions, it is imperative to dissect the implications of such negotiations and to remain vigilant in advocating for a resolution that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity and the principles of self-determination.
Historically, Ukraine has been a focal point of tension between Russia and the West, with its strategic location and resource wealth making it a pawn in larger geopolitical games. The 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine are emblematic of a broader struggle against authoritarianism and expansionism. This is not just a regional conflict; it represents a challenge to the post-World War II order that has, until now, favored territorial integrity and respect for national borders. The current situation requires a nuanced understanding of both the historical grievances and the political aspirations of the parties involved.
In the face of Putin's demands for territorial concessions, it is crucial for the international community, particularly the United States, to support Ukraine's right to self-determination unequivocally. The proposed deal, as discussed during the recent summit between Trump and Putin, suggests a dangerous precedent where the aggressor is rewarded with territorial gains at the expense of a sovereign nation that has shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Advocating for Ukraine means pushing back against the normalization of such negotiations that could embolden other authoritarian regimes to pursue similar aggressive tactics against their neighbors.
As concerned citizens, there are several actions we can take to advocate for a just resolution to the conflict. First, raising awareness about the implications of territorial concessions can help mobilize public opinion against compromising Ukraine's sovereignty. Engaging with local representatives and emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine through diplomacy, economic aid, and military assistance can make a significant difference in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Additionally, participating in grassroots movements that promote peace and solidarity with Ukraine can help amplify the voices of those who are directly affected by the conflict.
Moreover, it is essential to challenge narratives that suggest compromise at the expense of Ukraine's territorial integrity is a viable solution. Rather than framing the conflict as a zero-sum game, we can advocate for diplomatic efforts that prioritize a ceasefire and a comprehensive peace agreement that respects Ukraine’s borders. The commitment to international law and human rights should remain at the forefront of these discussions. Engaging in dialogue, hosting community forums, and utilizing social media to share factual information about the situation can empower citizens to become informed advocates for peace and justice.
In summary, the situation in Ukraine demands our attention and action. The discussions surrounding Putin's proposals reveal the fragility of the current geopolitical landscape and the necessity of upholding the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. As Americans, we can play a pivotal role in advocating for a resolution that honors these values, while also recognizing the historical context and the implications of our foreign policy decisions. It is through our collective efforts that we can contribute to a more just and peaceful world, one that upholds the rights of nations to defend their territorial integrity against aggression.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to garner international attention and concern, raising important questions about peace, sovereignty, and international diplomacy. As the situation evolves, it's crucial for individuals to engage in advocacy and action that supports peace, upholds Ukraine's territorial integrity, and pressures decision-makers to consider the broader implications of their negotiations. Here’s a detailed list of ideas regarding personal actions we can take:
### Personal Actions to Support Ukraine
1. **Educate Yourself and Others:** - Stay informed about the situation in Ukraine by following credible news sources, attending webinars, or joining community discussions on the topic. - Share information on social media to raise awareness, using hashtags like #StandWithUkraine or #PeaceForUkraine to amplify your message.
2. **Advocate for Peaceful Resolutions:** - Write to your local representatives expressing your concerns regarding the negotiations and urging them to support Ukraine’s right to self-determination and territorial integrity.
3. **Support Humanitarian Efforts:** - Donate to organizations providing aid to Ukraine, such as: - **International Red Cross**: [www.icrc.org](https://www.icrc.org) - **Doctors Without Borders**: [www.doctorswithoutborders.org](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org) - Volunteer with local organizations that support Ukrainian refugees.
4. **Petition for Stronger Support:** - Join or initiate online petitions that demand stronger action from your government in support of Ukraine. Websites like Change.org make it easy to start or sign petitions. - Example Petition: “Demand the U.S. Government Increase Support for Ukraine” - search on Change.org or other platforms.
5. **Contact Elected Officials:** - Write to your senators and representatives. Consider contacting: - **Senator Chuck Schumer** (D-NY) - Email: schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck - Mailing Address: 322 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 - **Representative Nancy Pelosi** (D-CA) - Email: pelosi.house.gov/contact - Mailing Address: 1236 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 - What to say: - Express your support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. - Urge them to take a stand against any negotiations that compromise Ukraine's territorial integrity. - Ask them to advocate for increased humanitarian aid and military support for Ukraine.
6. **Raise Awareness in Your Community:** - Organize or participate in local events, such as rallies, vigils, or forums discussing the situation in Ukraine. - Partner with local Ukrainian community organizations to amplify their voices and needs.
7. **Engage with Media:** - Write letters to the editor of local newspapers expressing your views on the importance of supporting Ukraine. - Reach out to local news outlets to cover events or stories related to the conflict and its impact on civilians.
8. **Utilize Social Media:** - Create campaigns on social media platforms advocating for Ukraine. Use visuals and personal stories to connect with others emotionally. - Engage with decision-makers on platforms like Twitter by tagging them in posts that advocate for a strong stance on Ukraine.
9. **Support Legislation:** - Monitor proposed legislation related to Ukraine and engage in advocacy efforts. Websites like GovTrack.us can help you stay updated on relevant bills. - Mobilize friends and family to contact their representatives in support of specific legislation.
10. **Join Advocacy Groups:** - Connect with organizations focusing on international peace and security, such as: - **Peace Action**: [www.peaceaction.org](https://www.peaceaction.org) - **Human Rights Watch**: [www.hrw.org](https://www.hrw.org) - Participate in their campaigns and initiatives, and attend meetings to lend your voice.
### Conclusion The situation between Ukraine and Russia is complex, and the potential negotiations could have long-lasting effects on the region. By taking informed and collective action, we can contribute to a narrative that prioritizes peace, sovereignty, and the protection of human rights. Each of us has a role to play in advocating for a future where diplomacy prevails over conflict, and support for those affected remains steadfast.