Trump and Putin Discuss Potential Redistribution of Ukrainian Territories

President Donald Trump of the United States has announced plans for a conversation this Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This discussion could potentially mark a significant turning point in efforts to conclude the ongoing war, as it aims to explore the redistribution of the invaded Ukrainian territories.

During his return flight from Florida to Washington aboard Air Force One, Trump informed journalists that after a weekend of intense negotiations, the upcoming dialogue will focus on finding ways to end the armed conflict and reshape U.S. foreign policy. "We'll see if there's an announcement on Tuesday. I will speak with President Putin. There has been much work done this weekend. We want to see if we can bring that war to an end," he stated in a video shared on the social network X.

The President also mentioned that discussions will include the division of certain assets, such as territories and power plants, suggesting a potential allocation of the occupied regions in Ukraine. According to the AP agency, the Kremlin has confirmed Putin's participation in the call, though his spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, declined to provide details prior to the conversation, stating, "We never get ahead of the facts," and emphasizing that "the content of conversations between two presidents is not subject to prior discussion."

This impending dialogue has stirred unease among European allies, who remain wary of Trump's rapport with Putin and his firm stance toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Through this negotiation, the United States aims not only to find a resolution to the war but also to recalibrate its foreign policy amidst an ongoing international conflict.

Trump's Request to Putin Last Week

On Friday, Donald Trump stated that he had "earnestly" requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to ensure the safety of Ukrainian soldiers trapped by the Russian army in the Kursk region. Trump described his discussions with Putin as "very good and productive," expressing optimism that there is a "very good chance" for the war to end.

On the previous Thursday, Putin confirmed his support for a 30-day truce, though he raised concerns about its implementation and verification. At the time, the Russian leader indicated his intention to discuss the details with Trump, expressing gratitude for the U.S. President's "efforts" toward achieving a ceasefire, as reported by EFE.

"We are in favor, but there are obstacles," Putin declared in a Kremlin press conference alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Among the concerns raised, Putin questioned what should happen to the Ukrainian soldiers in the Russian region of Kursk and whether they should leave the territory without conflict. "Should we let them go after committing numerous crimes against the civilian population? Or will Ukrainian leaders order them to lay down their arms and surrender? How will we do it? It is unclear," he said.

The Russian leader also pointed out that his country's troops are advancing in various sectors along the front line, questioning how Ukraine might use the truce. "Will it serve to continue forced mobilization and the deployment of new weapons?" he asked. Additionally, he raised doubts about who would ensure that the other side does not exploit the ceasefire to regroup. "How will control and verification be organized?" he insisted.

Putin underscored the importance of discussing the implementation of the ceasefire with the United States after Washington and Kiev reached an agreement in the Saudi city of Jeddah. "Perhaps President Trump and I will discuss it over the phone. But we support the idea of ending the conflict by peaceful means," he stated. He also expressed his appreciation for Trump's diplomatic efforts in seeking a resolution to the conflict. "I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to the President of the United States, Mr. Trump, for paying so much attention to solving the Ukraine problem," he added.

The declaration came after Ukraine accepted the U.S. proposal last Tuesday to establish a full and immediate ceasefire with Russia, initially set for 30 days with the possibility of extension if both parties agree. The measure, covering operations on land, sea, and air, awaits the response of the Russian President.