Trump says he will not negotiate Ukraine’s borders during his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, the U.S. president said it is up to Kyiv to decide whether to engage in any territorial discussions with Moscow. “They’ll be discussed, but I’ve got to let Ukraine make that decision,” Trump said. He stressed that his role was to get both sides talking, not to decide Ukraine’s future borders.
Focus on Peace Talks, Not Land Deals
Trump said his main goal is to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table. Any talks about territory, he added, should happen directly between Kyiv and Moscow. “I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I’m here to get them at a table,” Trump explained. This statement aims to reassure Ukraine that Washington will not push for a settlement that forces it to give up land.
According to Trump, Russia’s ongoing offensive may be aimed at strengthening Putin’s position before talks begin. “He’s trying to set a stage. In his mind that helps him make a better deal. It actually hurts him,” Trump said. He argued that prolonging the fighting could backfire on Moscow, even if Putin believes it increases his leverage.
Expectations for the Putin Meeting
Trump said he believes the meeting with Putin could lead to progress, citing mutual respect between the two leaders. “We get along, there’s a good respect level on both sides,” he said. However, Trump made clear that no economic agreements could be reached until the war is resolved. He noted that Putin was bringing Russian business leaders to the talks, which he saw as a sign of interest in post-war cooperation.
Trump Says He Will Not Negotiate Ukraine’s Borders
By stating clearly that he will not negotiate Ukraine’s borders, the U.S. president is signaling strong support for Ukraine’s right to decide its own future. His approach focuses on facilitating talks without imposing terms, leaving the question of borders entirely in Ukraine’s hands.
