European 'coalition of the willing' forms united front as Trump pushes Putin-Zelenskyy summit
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

President Donald Trump supports Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s proposal for Moscow to take full control of the Donbas region and freeze the front lines elsewhere for an agreement with Ukraine, a European diplomat confirmed to Fox News.

Donbas had a pre-war population of 150,000 and includes the Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

After meeting with Putin on Friday in Alaska, Trump told European allies that the Russian president reiterated that he wants the key Luhansk and Donetsk regions, but that he appeared open to the possibility of ending the stalemate in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson along with a freeze along the front lines.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously rejected the idea of surrendering the territory in the Donbas.

Putin and Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously rejected the idea of surrendering the territory in the Donbas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

After calls with Zelenskyy and European leaders, Trump said Saturday on social media that “it was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told ZDF television that Trump said Russia “seems to be prepared to conduct the negotiations based on the so-called line of contact and not the administrative boundaries.”

In a statement after the call with Trump, major European leaders did not address whether they preferred a peace deal over a ceasefire.

Putin and Trump in Alaska

Trump reversed his support for a ceasefire and instead is seeking a peace agreement. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The leaders said they “welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace.”

Putin described his talks with Trump in Alaska as “very frank.”

“We, of course, respect the position of the American administration, which sees the need for a speedy end to military actions,” Putin said at the follow-up meeting at the Kremlin, adding that “we would like to move to resolving all issues by peaceful means.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Billie Eilish refers to 'kidnapped' protesters during award speech

Billie Eilish Highlights ‘Detained’ Activists in Powerful Award Speech

During an impassioned acceptance speech on Saturday, pop sensation Billie Eilish appeared…
Melissa Gilbert seen in court for her husband's pretrial hearing

Melissa Gilbert’s Courtroom Stand: Supporting Her Husband at High-Profile Pretrial Hearing

Melissa Gilbert, renowned for her role in “Little House on the Prairie,”…
I had EIGHT miscarriages until I made a diet swap... now I have twins

After Eight Heartbreaking Miscarriages, a Simple Diet Change Led to the Joy of Twins

For years, Molly Brown embarked on a difficult journey to motherhood, facing…
How Mossimo Giannulli feels about 'extremely angry' Lori Loughlin as they navigate divorce

Mossimo Giannulli’s Perspective on ‘Extremely Angry’ Lori Loughlin Amid Divorce Proceedings

Mossimo Giannulli will always hold love for Lori Loughlin. As reported by…
Minnesota pastor condemns anti-ICE agitators who interrupted service: ‘Shameful and unlawful’

Minnesota Pastor Criticizes Anti-ICE Protesters for Disrupting Service: ‘Shameful and Unlawful Actions

A Minnesota church has urged community leaders to safeguard places of worship…
Over 300,000 pounds of catfish illegally harvested in Kentucky, 25 people facing charges

Massive Catfish Poaching Scandal Uncovered in Kentucky: 25 Charged for Illegally Harvesting Over 300,000 Pounds

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced an impending wave…
Closing arguments set in former Uvalde officer's trial over actions during 2022 school attack

Closing Arguments Begin in Trial of Ex-Uvalde Officer Over 2022 School Shooting Response

In Corpus Christi, Texas, the trial of a former school police officer…
Some apps on Google Play generating fake ad views, slowing down Android phones: Check Point study

Shocking Study Reveals Fake Ad Scams Draining Your Android’s Performance

CHICAGO (WLS) — The I-Team is issuing a warning about certain apps…