The Ukrainian information space was stirred by Financial Times' reports of Donald Trump's alleged demands to the Ukrainian delegation for concessions concerning Donetsk oblast. This sparked suspicion and a wait for corroboration from other sources. Subsequently, outlets like Reuters and Politico pointed out that the meeting was not so tense and that the talk of concessions was more of a discussion than an ultimatum.
The US side did not insist on the transfer of territories. Instead, the main theme was a possible halt along the current frontlines and a potential freeze of the conflict. The Kremlin, for its part, has shown an evolution in its stance: Moscow no longer insists on full occupation of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, while the issue of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk remains sensitive for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Moscow has demanded control over all annexed regions, and statements by certain international politicians about Ukraine ceding Donetsk have sparked debate among experts. However, at the official level among the US, European allies, and Ukraine, no compromise on sovereignty is considered.
Western financial and military support is still crucial for Ukraine, and pressure on Moscow from the US and its partners remains strong. The possibility of peace talks persists, but current discussions centre on territory control and security concerns. No catastrophic changes for Ukraine occurred as a result of the meeting, and expectations for sensational developments turned out to be exaggerated.
