Trump Says It Will Be up to Ukraine to Decide on Territorial Swaps
US President Donald Trump said he would not negotiate on behalf of Ukraine in his Friday meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and would let Kyiv decide whether to engage in territorial swaps with Russia.
Trump said his goal was to get the two sides to start a negotiation, with any territorial swaps to be addressed then.
“They’ll be discussed, but I’ve got to let Ukraine make that decision, and I think they’ll make a proper decision. But I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I’m here to get them at a table,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Trump’s remarks are likely to offer some assurance to Ukraine, which is worried that the US-Russia talks could freeze the conflict at Ukraine’s expense.
Trump said the Russian offensive in Ukraine was likely aimed at helping to strengthen Putin’s hand in any negotiations to end the war.
“I think they’re trying to negotiate. He’s trying to set a stage. In his mind that helps him make a better deal. It actually hurts him, but in his mind that helps him make a better deal if they can continue the killing,” he said.
