Trump promises to return as much of the occupied territories as possible to Ukraine as part of a deal with Russia
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- Alona Kokhanchuk
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10:00, 27 February, 2025
Donald Trump at a cabinet meeting. Video screenshotUS President Donald Trump has said that during negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, the United States will seek to return as much of the Russian-occupied territories to Ukraine as possible.
He said this in response to journalists' questions after a Cabinet meeting.
US President Donald Trump said he would help Ukraine return as much of the occupied territories as possible as part of a peace deal with Russia. However, he noted that the peace agreement should be «the best» for both Kyiv and Moscow. In particular, he said that he would consider easing sanctions against Russia, but only after the agreement is signed.
«We will do our best to conclude the best deal for both sides. But for Ukraine, we will try very hard to make a good deal so that they can get as much (territory) back as possible. We want to get as much back as possible», Donald Trump said.
The US President added that Vladimir Putin would have to make concessions, but did not specify what kind of concessions. He also stressed that Ukraine would not join NATO as part of the peace agreement. He explained this by saying that «it was because of this (the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO) that everything started».
Trump also noted that the US would not provide Ukraine with significant security guarantees, because this is Europe's role.
«Europe is their neighbour. But we will, of course, make sure that everything goes well», said Donald Trump.
Peace talks
Earlier, Donald Trump said that the United States was engaged in constructive negotiations on a full-scale war with Ukraine and the Russian Federation. In particular, he expressed hope that agreements would be reached as soon as possible.
He also claimed that Washington had already made some progress in negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
In addition, Donald Trump indicated that his administration had already held discussions with Moscow, but did not specify who participated in such a dialogue. Also, during his phone conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump never said that Europe needs a seat at the table in negotiations on Ukraine.
Earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that negotiations between the United States and Russia to end the war without Kyiv's participation pose a threat to everyone.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that he was ready to sit down with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for the sake of peace, despite his hostile attitude. He also added that he did not see a ready-made peace plan from Trump, but conveyed his readiness to negotiate.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to «allocate people» to negotiate with Ukraine to end the war. At the same time, he called any such talks «illegitimate».
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine does not recognise the loss of its territories, but is ready for diplomatic solutions to return them if it becomes a NATO member.