Trump Expresses Support for Putins Controversial Plan on Ukraine Territory – AFP Source Reports

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for a Russian initiative that would grant Moscow complete control over two Ukrainian regions and establish a frozen front line in two others that are only partially under its control, according to a source who spoke to AFP.

The informant, familiar with the situation, indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin effectively insists on Ukraine relinquishing its claims to the Donbas, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk areas in eastern Ukraine.

«Trump seems inclined to favor this proposal,» the informant noted.

On Saturday, Trump had discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders regarding his conversation with Putin the day before.

«The Ukrainian leader has made it clear that he will not abandon Donbas,» the source added.

Zelensky has firmly dismissed any proposals for territorial concessions, citing obligations under Ukraine’s constitution. However, he has not completely ruled out the possibility of addressing the topic in a trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin.

The New York Times referenced two high-ranking European officials who stated that Trump supported Putin’s strategy «to conclude the conflict in Ukraine by giving up unoccupied territories to the Russian forces, rather than pursuing a ceasefire.»

The Financial Times reported that Putin informed Trump that «he could halt the remaining front lines if his fundamental demands were satisfied,» with this message being relayed directly by Trump during his Saturday call.

According to the AFP informant, U.S. officials indicated that if Russia’s demands are met, «Putin would refrain from advancing in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, effectively creating a freeze there.»

«However, in reality, it all hinges on Putin’s commitment,» the source remarked.

Months into its invasion of Ukraine, in September 2022, Russia proclaimed it had annexed all four Ukrainian regions, despite its armed forces not fully controlling any of them at that time.

Currently, Russian troops occupy nearly all of the Luhansk region and a significant portion of the Donetsk region, including their administrative capitals.

In contrast, the main urban areas in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson remain under Ukrainian authority.

Russia had previously annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.