Zelenskyy has consistently called for full territorial restoration, but recent reports indicate he may be open to a territorial exchange with Russia. However, Russia has rejected such proposals.
Trump acknowledged the complexity of the territorial disputes, saying, “It seems unlikely Ukraine would see its borders return to pre-2014, although some of it would come back.” When asked whether Zelenskyy should consider ceding territory, Trump responded, “Well, he’s going to have to do what he has to do, but his poll numbers aren’t particularly great, to put it mildly.”
Security Guarantees
While the U.S. has ruled out Ukraine joining NATO, Hegseth stated that Ukraine must receive “robust security guarantees.” He suggested deploying a non-NATO mission of European and non-European peacekeepers to Ukraine but emphasized that the U.S. would not deploy ground troops.
Trump reiterated his commitment to peace, stating that he and Putin “agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations” and starting immediate negotiations.
