During a historic Alaska summit on August 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump shocked the world by backing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demand for Ukraine to surrender Donetsk and Luhansk. This unprecedented stance triggered swift backlash from Western allies and raised critical questions about the future of the war in Ukraine.
What Happened at the Alaska Summit?
The summit at a military base in Alaska marked Putin’s return to U.S. soil after more than a decade. Lasting three hours, the high-stakes meeting centered on ending the protracted war in Ukraine. Instead of brokering a ceasefire, Trump aligned himself with the Kremlin’s position, advocating for Ukraine to cede territory as the foundation for a peace deal.
Putin’s Demands Explained
President Putin insisted that Ukraine fully withdraw from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions—areas collectively known as Donbas and rich in industry and resources. As part of his proposal, Russia would recognize the current frontlines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, stop further advances, and require Ukraine to accept the permanent loss of Crimea (already annexed since 2014), as well as abandon any hope of joining NATO.
Why Did Trump Endorse Putin’s Stance?
Departing from his previously tough rhetoric, Trump declared that Ukraine needed to “make a deal” with Russia to stop the bloodshed, even if it meant territorial compromise. This marks a significant shift, as Trump had previously called for a ceasefire first, not territorial concessions.
Ukraine’s Constitution: Legal Roadblocks to Giving Up Territory
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly rejected the idea. According to Ukraine’s constitution, territorial changes require approval in a nationwide referendum—something that is nearly impossible during wartime. Zelenskyy, as the “guarantor of the constitution,” cannot legally surrender sovereign land unilaterally.
Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine’s defiant stance, stating, “Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier, and no one will be able to force them.” International legal experts also highlight that ceding territory under aggression violates core UN principles and would undermine global law and order.
Europe and the West React: United Front for Ukrainian Sovereignty
Following the summit, major European leaders—including France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and Britain’s Keir Starmer—issued strong statements opposing territorial concessions. The consensus: Ukraine’s borders should not be changed by force, and any peace must guarantee Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
British diplomats labelled the summit a “diplomatic victory for Putin,” warning that giving up Donetsk would dismantle Ukraine’s defensive “fortress belt” and provide Russia with a new springboard for future incursions.
Strategic Significance of Donetsk and Donbas
Donetsk and Luhansk are not just symbolic—they are pivotal to Ukraine’s defense and economy. Surrendering these regions would strip Ukraine of critical industry and infrastructure, while leaving it much more vulnerable to future military threats.
Legal and International Ramifications
International law backs Ukraine’s stance. The UN Charter and several UN resolutions reject territorial changes driven by war and aggression. Any peace treaty resulting in such concessions would face intense scrutiny and opposition.
What’s Next? Zelenskyy-Trump Meeting
Zelenskyy will meet Trump in Washington on August 18 to formally reject Putin’s demands and push for stronger Western sanctions against Russia. The outcome is poised to set the tone for diplomatic efforts and military strategies in the coming months, as the West grapples with the complex realities of peace in Ukraine.
