RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR:Ukraine Should Be Ready to Cede Territories to Russia for Peace – Trump
By Hans Ngala, Edited by Nfor Hanson
In a push for peace between Russia and Ukrainea, US President Donald Trump has said Ukraine must be willing to cede some contested territories to Russia. After meeting with Ukrainian leader, Voldymyr Zelensky in a meeting that was more cordial than their last meeting in February, Trump later wrote the following on his Facebook page:
“I had a very good meeting with distinguished guests, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron, of France, President Alexander Stubb, of Finland, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, of Italy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of the United Kingdom, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, in the White House, which ended in a further meeting in the Oval Office. During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine.”
As of Tuesday, US-based TV, The National Desk, reported that Putin expressed interest for the talks to happen within the next two weeks.
It is unclear how the talks will go, given that Russia still occupies the contested Crimea region and is looking at taking more Ukrainian territory and also doesn’t want Ukraine joining NATO – terms which Donald Trump seems largely open to. Trump has however stated that in the final event, it is a decision to be made by Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky but that he would like to oversee the discussions.
Trump’s approach is a vast 360 degree turn from the approach of his predecessor Joe Biden who largely believed in simply supporting Ukraine and pushing for its membership in NATO even though it cost a lot of casualties on the Ukrainian side and some Russian casualties too.
The presence of European leaders in Tuesday’s meeting was seen as a show of support for Ukraine.
Why This Matters
Trump’s strategy, though controversial, underscores his transactional and results-driven style. While Biden’s policy was grounded in deterrence and defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty, Trump has made it clear that for him, peace is better than prolonged confrontation, even if it means unpopular compromises. His suggestion that Ukraine consider territorial concessions would likely alarm Kyiv and its allies, but it marks a dramatic shift toward prioritizing an immediate end to hostilities over the long-term vision of full Ukrainian independence and NATO integration.
The territorial demands even stem from a 2014 Russuan invasion of Crimea in which Trump blames on former president, Barack Obama.
For Trump, the peace process also carries personal stakes. He has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering diplomatic breakthroughs, pointing to his efforts in the Middle East and his self-declared role in calming tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. In this context, he has not hidden his desire for recognition, even openly demanding a Nobel Peace Prize. Critics see this as self-promotion, but supporters argue that if he manages to end one of the bloodiest wars of the 21st century, history will remember the accomplishment more than the rhetoric.
Beyond Europe, the significance of Trump’s peace gambit is deeply felt in Africa. Many African nations have been indirectly caught in the crossfire of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, suffering from rising fuel prices, fertilizer shortages, and disrupted grain supplies. The war has worsened food insecurity across the continent, particularly in East Africa and the Sahel. A settlement – even one forged through compromise – could help stabilize global markets, lower commodity prices, and restore crucial Black Sea grain exports to Africa.
In this sense, Trump’s approach, while unconventional and unpopular in Western diplomatic circles, could resonate with leaders in the Global South who prioritize peace and economic stability over ideological battles. Whether his gamble pays off remains to be seen, but if successful, it could reshape not just Europe’s security landscape but also bring relief to millions across Africa who have borne the hidden costs of the Russia-Ukraine war.
One thing is certain, the Trump of yesterday (2016) could not have bene able to mobilise the cream of European powers who took part in the White House discussions. Trump of today has bene able to do so because he holds the keys to the economic diplomacy with his policy of tarrifs.
The introduction of these tarrifs have bene a world bully but also a great way to get the attention of world leaders.
Trump understands that to get something, you need to attack ones finances and upset his dinner. This is exactly why no country wants to annoy him and get in his bad books because he shares high tarrifs with a lot of generosity.
But if this is what will bring peace and not war, so be it!!!
