Trump intends to enforce penalties against Russia, as stated by Washington officials
The ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine continues to be a source of concern, with no definitive peace agreement reached as of late August 2025. The discussions between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at resolving the Ukrainian crisis, have been ongoing, but key issues such as territorial control and security guarantees remain unresolved.
Territorial Exchange Positions
The disagreements over territorial exchange are significant. Russian President Vladimir Putin demands formal recognition of all occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian, including areas not fully under its control. He also seeks guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO, limitations on Ukraine’s military, and sanctions relief for Russia.
On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on a full withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied lands, including the return of prisoners and kidnapped children, and accountability for Russian war crimes. Ukraine adamantly rejects recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea or other territories.
At present, there is no agreement on territorial exchange, with Putin's position essentially calling for Ukraine to cede control, while Zelenskyy seeks full restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Positions of Key Leaders
President Donald Trump, who has been in office since 2025, broadly supports the Russian proposals for ending the war, including Putin's positions on territorial and security arrangements. Trump and Belarusian president Lukashenko have discussed a strikes moratorium as a step before a ceasefire and peace.
However, Putin remains firm on Russia’s terms and rejects accelerated peace talks on timelines preferred by Trump. The Russian Foreign Ministry has reiterated that any Western security guarantees for Ukraine must reflect Russia’s "legitimate concerns," primarily aimed at blocking NATO expansion and restricting Ukraine’s military capacity.
Zelenskyy continues to seek security guarantees that prevent future aggression but faces pressure due to the stalled negotiations and geopolitical dynamics, with skepticism over Russia's sincerity heightened by past events like the Bucha massacre.
Recent Negotiation Status
Negotiations had halted previously but restarted in 2025 after Trump’s presidency began. However, talks remain stalled over the fundamental issues of territory, security guarantees, and military restrictions. Russia has not accepted a ceasefire and continues military actions, including fighting in border regions like Kursk Oblast.
In summary, as of August 2025, no breakthrough peace agreement has been reached. The peace agreement, if it materializes, is said to involve a territorial exchange, but the details of this exchange are not disclosed. President Donald Trump is prepared to impose sanctions and other measures if necessary to end the war in Ukraine.
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, stated in an interview with Fox News that diplomacy and negotiations have always been the main path for President Trump. Russian Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov announced the completion of preparations for the meeting of the two presidents, scheduled for August 15. The central theme of the meeting between the two presidents is the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis.
[1] NBC News, 14 August 2025. [2] Russian Foreign Ministry, 13 August 2025. [3] Belarusian Presidential Press Service, 12 August 2025.
The ongoing discussions about the peace agreement, centered on a potential territorial exchange, remain inconclusive, with no breakthrough as of August 2025. The key leaders' positions, particularly those of President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, seem to be divergent, creating a challenge in finding a resolution for the war-and-conflicts in Ukraine. The political landscape, influenced by general-news such as the Bucha massacre, adds an element of skepticism and pressure regarding the sincerity of negotiation outcomes.
