The Financial Times has published the details of a closed-door meeting in which Donald Trump allegedly issued stern demands to Ukraine: agree to a territorial swap for Donbas or face destruction. According to the outlet and Reuters, the former US president reportedly used strong language and echoed Russian narratives about a possible rapid defeat of Ukraine by Russia.
Trump has denied such accusations, stating that he only advocated for a ceasefire without pressuring the Ukrainian side, but so far, there is no clear commitment to new aid such as missile systems. Zelensky, on the other hand, has rejected the possibility of ceding Donbas and submitted a draft law to extend mobilization, stressing Ukraine's resolve to defend its territorial integrity.
The European Union, despite challenges in adopting new sanctions and the intervention of Hungarian Prime Minister Orban, is preparing a plan for Ukraine’s rapid accession to the EU. Tougher sanctions and increased partner support have been announced, while some states have scaled back intelligence sharing with the United States due to uncertainty over America’s willingness to supply arms.
The article also analyzes the diplomatic complexity surrounding the talks and the informational strategies of both sides. It highlights that negotiations are ongoing behind the media noise, with Russia and some countries seeking to gain time or shift the security paradigm using the media as a political tool.
Key points discussed include not only reported threats or deals, but Ukraine’s defense strategy, its resilience, the need for military support, and political debate about the country's possible EU expansion.
