A week after a high-profile meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, reports have surfaced suggesting the Russian president has delivered a clear set of conditions to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The claims, which come from sources speaking to Reuters, add a dramatic twist to the diplomatic chess game that has gripped the world since February 2022.
Background: The War That Changed Everything
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began more than three years ago and has become Europe’s bloodiest conflict in decades. Tens of thousands have died, entire cities have been reduced to rubble, and millions of civilians have been displaced. Efforts to reach a peace settlement have repeatedly failed, with both sides unwilling to compromise on key territorial and security issues.
When Donald Trump returned to the political stage promising to “end the war in 24 hours,” critics dismissed the idea as unrealistic. But his recent actions suggest he intends to make good on that claim. Last week, Trump invited Putin to Anchorage, Alaska—an unprecedented move that many interpreted as a bold show of American strength. The meeting marked the first time the two leaders have spoken in person in years, and it came as Trump has intensified his engagement with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump’s Message to Zelenskyy
Shortly after the Alaska meeting, Trump took to Truth Social to make a statement that raised eyebrows in Washington and Kyiv alike.
“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump wrote. He pointed to two major points of contention: NATO and Crimea. “Remember how it started. No getting back Obama-given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!”
While Trump stopped short of detailing the full terms, his post hinted strongly that Russia’s red lines remain the same as they were in 2014 and early 2022.
What Putin Reportedly Demands
According to Reuters, Putin’s demands are now clear—and they go beyond what Trump publicly mentioned. Sources familiar with the matter claim Moscow is insisting on three non-negotiable conditions:
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Ukraine must permanently abandon its bid to join NATO.
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Western troops cannot be stationed on Russian territory under any circumstances.
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Ukraine must withdraw from all remaining areas of Donbas currently under Russian control.
In exchange for these concessions, Putin is reportedly willing to freeze military operations along the existing front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson—territories where Russia has seized significant ground since the invasion began.
What’s at Stake
The scale of the concessions being requested is massive. Russia currently controls about 88 percent of the Donbas region and roughly 73 percent of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Giving up these territories would not only mean redrawing Ukraine’s borders but also set a controversial precedent in international law, critics argue.
For Zelenskyy, the political cost could be catastrophic. The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly vowed not to surrender territory, especially Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Even if he were open to negotiations, such a deal would likely spark outrage among Ukrainian citizens and Western allies who have poured billions into military aid.
NATO Reacts
Meanwhile, NATO leaders are showing no signs of backing down from their support for Ukraine. In a recent virtual meeting, 32 defense chiefs discussed the ongoing security crisis and reaffirmed their commitment to Kyiv.
Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, described the talks as “great and candid,” adding: “We confirmed our support. Priority continues to be a just, credible and durable peace.”
What Happens Next?
The big question is whether Zelenskyy will even consider these demands—and what role Trump plays in pushing for an agreement. While some analysts see the Alaska meeting as a breakthrough moment, others warn that Putin’s conditions may be a nonstarter for Ukraine and its allies.
Still, with mounting pressure to end the war and growing calls for diplomacy, the coming weeks could prove pivotal. If these reported demands are accurate, Ukraine faces a painful choice: compromise on sovereignty or risk years of continued bloodshed.
For now, the world waits—and wonders whether Trump’s bold gamble in Alaska will bring peace or ignite an even bigger geopolitical showdown.