Anchorage, Alaska — Former President Donald Trump is reportedly advocating for the cession of unoccupied Ukrainian territory to Russia as a means to facilitate an end to the ongoing conflict between the two nations. This revelation emerged from a recent call he had with European leaders, where discussions about potential peace negotiations took place.

During the conversation, Trump suggested that a compromise could be reached if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were to relinquish control of the Donbas region—a territory that has remained contested by Russian forces for over three years. The Donbas includes the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, with the latter still experiencing significant Ukrainian holdouts despite heavy fighting.

Sources familiar with the discussions noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is demanding Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas as a condition for peace talks. In exchange, he is willing to consider halting further military advances and freezing the current frontline status in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, where Russian troops have established a presence.

The Donbas region holds considerable economic value due to its rich mineral resources, including coal and iron ore. Trump’s support for transferring this territory to Russia has raised concerns among Ukrainian and European leaders, who fear it might undermine their stance against Moscow’s aggression. Critics argue that transitioning directly to a peace deal without a ceasefire could favor Russia during negotiations.

Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the U.S. is prepared to provide security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any proposed agreement. However, the prospect of economic penalties against countries purchasing Russian oil looms if a deal isn’t reached. Tensions have escalated as Trump flew military bombers over the region upon landing in Alaska, signaling a show of strength.

As European leaders and Zelenskyy prepare for a critical video call to discuss these issues, the consensus remains that Ukraine should have the ultimate authority over its territorial integrity. A joint statement from various European officials emphasized their readiness to collaborate with both Trump and Zelenskyy, while affirming that changes to international borders through force are unacceptable.

In the wake of discussions, Zelenskyy reiterated the importance of achieving a genuine, sustainable peace. He highlighted that any resolution must resolve ongoing violence and the plight of those affected by the war, including the return of Ukrainian prisoners and abducted children.

The situation remains delicate, with significant concern that bypassing a ceasefire could complicate future negotiations. European leaders are slated to engage with Zelenskyy over the weekend, seeking clarity ahead of his meeting with Trump. As discussions continue, the path to lasting peace in Ukraine hangs in the balance, underscoring the high stakes for all parties involved.