The Trump–Putin summit was supposed to be about peace. Instead, it turned into a dramatic moment that left allies stunned: Putin demanded that Ukraine surrender two key regions, raising new fears just as President Zelensky prepares to head to Washington.
Putin’s Big Ask
According to Axios, Putin told Trump he wanted Ukraine to fully withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk. In return, Russia would agree to stop advancing in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia—though in reality, Russian forces haven’t made progress there for months.
For Ukraine and its partners, this sounded less like compromise and more like a one-sided demand.
How Allies Reacted
Trump and his envoy Steve Witkoff quickly shared the details with European and NATO leaders, including Germany, France, Italy, and the European Commission. Many saw it as Putin trying to cement his territorial gains while offering little in return.
Even more striking—Putin floated the idea that China could act as Ukraine’s security guarantor, instead of Western allies. Trump, meanwhile, suggested the U.S. might back “some kind of guarantee,” but stopped short of NATO involvement.
What It Means for Ukraine
For Kyiv, the timing is critical. Zelensky is set to meet Trump in Washington next week, and Putin’s demands will be front and center. Ukrainian officials fear that agreeing to such terms would legitimize Russia’s occupation and weaken Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Still, there were hints—also reported by Axios—that Putin might be willing to negotiate on smaller occupied areas in Sumy and Kharkiv, though it looked more like bargaining tactics than genuine concessions.
A Summit in the Works?
Trump is now pushing for a three-way summit between himself, Putin, and Zelensky as early as August 22. The question: would Putin actually show up, and if he does, is there any room for real compromise?
Closing Takeaway
This summit revealed just how far apart the sides remain. Putin’s demand to carve up Ukraine highlights the stakes—while Trump’s push for talks shows the urgency of finding a way forward. For Ukrainians, and for the world, the outcome could shape the future of Europe.
And the big question remains: Is this the start of peace talks—or just another dead end?