Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected a proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The plan aimed to freeze the war along current front lines. In exchange, Russia wanted Kyiv to hand over full control of Donetsk.

Trump Acts as Messenger

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump carried the proposal to Zelenskyy. He briefed him after meeting Putin in Alaska on Friday. The meeting lasted three hours. Importantly, it marked the first direct US-Russia summit since the invasion in 2022.

Afterward, Trump urged Ukraine to move toward a deal. He remarked, “Russia is a very big power, and they’re not."

Russia Already Holds Territory

Currently, Russia controls about 20 percent of Ukraine. This includes nearly three-quarters of Donetsk. Notably, Moscow first moved into the region in 2014. Since then, Donetsk has remained one of its main industrial and military targets.

Trump Pushes for Peace Deal

Furthermore, Trump said he and Putin agreed that a peace deal was better than a ceasefire. He wrote on Truth Social, “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."

Zelenskyy Stands Firm

However, Zelenskyy refused to cede land. He argued that such a step would require constitutional changes. He also stressed that Sloviansk and Kramatorsk remain key defense hubs. According to him, these cities continue to block deeper Russian advances.

In addition, Zelenskyy demanded security guarantees. He insisted they must shield Ukraine from future attacks. He acknowledged “positive signals from the American side” in talks with Trump. Yet, he warned that Ukraine sought a lasting settlement, not “another pause” in the conflict.

Next Steps in Washington

Looking ahead, Zelenskyy will meet Trump again in Washington on Monday. According to senior European officials quoted by The New York Times, European leaders will also take part in the talks.

Europe Responds with Caution

Meanwhile, European governments cautiously welcomed the dialogue. They reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. At the same time, they warned that any deal must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty. Moreover, they signaled plans for tougher sanctions on Moscow.