**Ukraine and Allies to Unite Amid Trump-Putin Meeting**
As the world watches, Ukraine and its allies are preparing for a crucial meeting ahead of a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The move comes as the White House intensifies efforts to broker a peace deal in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
**Deadline Looms, Sanctions Debated**
Just last week, Trump announced an August 8 deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire in its war against Ukraine. However, despite Moscow’s refusal to halt hostilities, Trump has not imposed sanctions on the Kremlin. This decision has sparked debate among officials and analysts, with some arguing that such measures are essential to put pressure on Putin.
**Calls and Meetings: A Series of Confusion**
A series of conference calls have been held in recent days between senior officials from Ukraine, Europe, and the US, as reported by Axios. The meetings’ logistics, including who will participate, are still under discussion. One thing is clear, however: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump, and European leaders were under the impression that Putin was ready to give up Russia’s claim to two southern Ukrainian regions, Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Kherson Oblast.
**Territorial Swapping on the Table**
However, according to sources, Putin has since changed his stance. In a later call, Witkoff told participants that Putin would be willing to freeze along current frontlines, which include occupied territory in both oblasts. This shift raises questions about what exactly is being negotiated and whether Ukraine’s sovereignty will be compromised.
**Referendum Needed for Territorial Cession**
For any territorial cession by Zelensky, a referendum would need to be held, according to an unnamed Ukrainian official. This requirement underscores the complexity of negotiations between two nations with differing interests.
**Trump’s Peace Plan: A Muddled Approach?**
As tensions build ahead of the meeting, Trump has publicly stated that a potential peace deal will involve “some swapping” of territories. In a press conference alongside Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders, he said, “Well you’re looking at territory that’s been fought over for three-and-a-half years… So we’re looking at that but we’re actually looking to get some back.” These comments have sparked confusion among observers, who wonder what exactly is being negotiated.
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