Ukraine holds the power to determine territorial negotiations
In the latter half of August 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has taken an active role in negotiations aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict. The President has been engaging directly with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as European leaders, to discuss security measures that could prevent further Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Trump's approach avoids direct military intervention, instead focusing on diplomatic and economic tools to end the war. He is considering imposing massive sanctions or tariffs, or potentially taking no action and framing it as Ukraine's fight. Trump expects to decide the U.S. position within approximately two weeks.
The administration's strategy emphasises the need for agreement and compromise from both Russia and Ukraine, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that this is not a ceasefire but an attempt to end the war altogether. The U.S. sees its role as facilitating dialogue, particularly with Putin, to bring about a negotiated peace.
Trump considers Putin a seasoned negotiator, and believes that Russia's offensive in Ukraine is aimed at strengthening Putin's hand in any negotiations to end the war. The President has stated that something might come out of his meeting with Putin, but has not specified what he expects to come out of the encounter.
Trump has made it clear that he will not negotiate on behalf of Ukraine in his meeting with Putin. Instead, he will aim to get both sides to the negotiation table. Trump stated that Ukraine should make the decision regarding any territorial exchanges, and will not negotiate these on their behalf.
Trump's comments may offer some reassurance to Ukraine, which fears that talks between Washington and Moscow could freeze the conflict at its expense. The President believes he and Putin have a good level of respect for each other, which he hopes will aid in the negotiations.
In summary, Trump's approach to the Ukraine conflict balances security support for Ukraine without direct military intervention, seeks diplomatic and economic tools to end the war, and looks for a deal that requires concessions from both Russia and Ukraine. The President's goal is to get both sides to start negotiations, with any territorial exchanges to be addressed during these discussions.
The ongoing news about the Ukraine conflict has been extensively covered ingeneral-news, including updates on President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts. Trump's strategy, as discussed in politics, is centered on avoiding direct war-and-conflicts by utilizing diplomatic and economic tools to end the Ukraine conflict. Furthermore, the administration's focus is not only on getting both Russia and Ukraine to the negotiation table but also on ensuring that any territorial exchanges are decided by Ukraine during these negotiations.
