Trump told Zelenskyy and allies he won't discuss territory divisions with Putin this week, sources say
Share this @internewscast.com

President Donald Trump informed European leaders on a call Wednesday that during his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, he does not plan to discuss any potential territorial divisions, according to two European officials and three other briefed individuals.

During the call, which also included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump indicated that his primary aim for the meeting with Putin is to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, as noted by the sources.

According to European officials and other individuals briefed on the conversation, Trump and European leaders concurred that a ceasefire in Ukraine is crucial before any peace negotiations can commence. Some European leaders left the call sensing Trump’s lack of optimism about the outcome of his meeting with Putin.

The call occurred mere days before Trump’s scheduled meeting with Putin on Friday. European and Ukrainian officials have expressed apprehension about the meeting since it was announced last week. Their concerns include the possibility of Trump and Putin agreeing on a peace deal framework, involving territorial divisions, and potentially pressuring Ukraine to consent. Trump’s earlier remarks about potential “land swapping” between Russia and Ukraine particularly unsettled Zelenskyy and European leaders.

However, the two European officials and three others briefed on the call stated that all leaders concurred on Ukraine’s necessity to be included in discussions and that any territorial concessions should be Ukraine’s decision. They also agreed that if Putin refuses a ceasefire, Trump will likely impose additional sanctions on Russia.

Two additional individuals familiar with the call shared that European leaders felt encouraged by Trump’s meeting plans with Putin. One noted that achieving a ceasefire is likely Trump’s top priority. The other expressed confidence that Ukrainian territory will not be negotiated without Ukraine’s involvement.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump said Wednesday after the call that it was “very good” and suggested that another meeting involving Zelenskyy could quickly follow his sit-down with Putin.

“There’s a very good chance that we’re going to have a second meeting, which will be more productive than the first, because the first is I’m going to find out where we are and what we’re doing,” Trump told reporters. “I would like to do it almost immediately, and we’ll have a quick second meeting between President Putin and President Zelenskyy and myself, if they’d like to have me there.”

The president also said Russia will face “severe consequences” if Putin doesn’t agree to end the war.

Vice President JD Vance, who also participated in Wednesday’s call, said afterward during remarks to U.S. troops at RAF Fairford in the U.K. that “one of our most important shared security goals in Europe” is ending the war in Ukraine.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Rising Protests in Iran: Israel Keeps a Watchful Eye

In the heart of Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed…

Controversy Erupts: Retouched Photos of Israel’s First Lady Spark Ethical Dilemma

JERUSALEM – Photos capturing seemingly significant moments for Israel’s historical archives have…

Trump Considers Blocking ExxonMobil from Venezuelan Ventures Following CEO’s White House Remarks

On Sunday, President Donald Trump expressed a preference for excluding ExxonMobil from…

Supreme Court Case Could Mark Final Sports Season for Transgender Teen Athlete

WASHINGTON – Becky Pepper-Jackson, a sophomore and talented discus thrower from West…

Local Lawmakers Outline Key Priorities for Upcoming Legislative Session: What to Expect

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — As Tennessee legislators gather this Tuesday, local representatives…

First Responders Brave War-Torn Aleppo: A Heart-Pounding Rescue Mission Unveiled

ALEPPO – After a period of intense conflict, residents began to make…

Heroic Rescue: Sevierville Officers Prevent Tragedy on French Broad River Bridge

In a valiant display of quick thinking and compassion, Sevierville police officers…

Community Gathers for Candlelight Vigil Honoring Woman Fatally Shot in ICE Operation

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – On Sunday evening, a community gathered for…

New Jersey Mourns: Former Acting Governor Richard Codey Passes Away at 79

TRENTON, N.J. – Richard “Dick” Codey, renowned for being New Jersey’s longest-serving…

Florida Unveils Exciting New License Plate Designs for 2023: See What’s Coming to the Sunshine State

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Florida’s legislative session draws near, a flurry of…

THP Reports Serious Injury to Woman in I-81 Collision in Greene County

A woman sustained serious injuries following a collision on Interstate 81 in…

Revolutionize Your Shopping Experience: Google Partners with Walmart and More for Seamless Gemini AI Purchases

NEW YORK – In a strategic move to enhance its AI chatbot’s…