Trump says he and Putin will discuss ‘land swapping’ at Ukraine war summit
President Donald Trump has confirmed he will discuss “land swapping” with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a high-stakes summit in Alaska amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
What’s Ahead at the Alaska Summit
The summit, scheduled for August 15, 2025 in Alaska, is the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin since 2019 and the first held on U.S. soil since 1988. Trump described the talks as a “feel-out meeting,” stating he would assess within minutes whether Putin is serious about achieving peace.
“Land Swapping”: What Did Trump Say?
In a press conference, Trump said, “There'll be some land swapping going on,” suggesting that both Ukraine and Russia may need to make territorial concessions to reach a peace agreement. He framed these swaps as potentially “good” and “bad” for both sides.
Reactions: Zelensky and European Leaders Push Back
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly objected to the idea of land swaps, highlighting that any territory changes would require a national referendum under Ukraine’s constitution, and rejecting decisions made without Ukraine’s direct involvement.
European leaders also condemned the notion that a peace deal might be structured in Ukraine’s absence, reiterating that any settlement must uphold Ukrainian sovereignty and include Kyiv’s participation.
Why the Summit Matters
This meeting underscores growing diplomatic tension: while the U.S. explores unorthodox avenues toward peace, Ukraine and its allies emphasize that timelines or territorial compromises must not come at the expense of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and democratic legitimacy.