Trump’s Shift in Stance on Ukraine as Talks with Putin Intensify
Following a meeting with President Putin, former President Trump has altered his previous position regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly concerning the crucial Donbas region. Sources indicate that Putin has made extensive territorial demands, seeking control of key areas such as Donetsk and Luhansk as part of a proposed peace deal in exchange for a freeze on military actions. This shift puts pressure on Ukrainian President Zelensky, who faces increasing scrutiny and resistance from domestic lawmakers advocating against conceding territory. The evolving dynamics suggest a potential trilateral meeting involving Trump, Putin, and Zelensky, raising fears in Ukraine about losing the industrial heartland of Donbas, which is vital for its economy and sovereignty. Meanwhile, Trump appears to back plans that could lead to ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia, prompting concerns that this could embolden further aggression from Moscow.
NPR, CNN, The New York Times, Reuters, BBC, The Guardian, Fox News, Axios, The Hill, Sky News