Peace Talks and Land Swaps: What's Really Going On?

A recent phone call between Steve Witkoff, a key figure in Donald Trump's team, and Yuri Ushakov, a top aide to Vladimir Putin, has shed light on the behind-the-scenes discussions about ending the Ukraine conflict. The conversation, recorded and later obtained by Bloomberg, revealed that Witkoff believes Ukraine might need to give up some land to achieve peace.

Key Points from the Conversation

• Witkoff's Suggestions:
• Ukraine may need to cede some territories to Russia for peace.
• Russia gaining control of Donetsk and possibly other territories could be part of the solution.

• Advised Ushakov to frame discussions optimistically, hinting at a potential deal.

• The Controversial 28-Point Peace Proposal:
• Includes Ukraine ceding the entire Donetsk region to Russia.
• Donetsk would become a demilitarized zone under international recognition.
• Russia would gain control of Luhansk and Crimea.
• Current battle lines would be frozen in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

• Witkoff's Brokered Ceasefire in Gaza:
• Proposed a similar framework for Ukraine.
• Suggested a joint peace plan with Moscow and Washington.

• Advised Putin on how to approach the subject with Trump.

• Ushakov's Response:
• Indicated that Putin would congratulate Trump and acknowledge his commitment to peace.

Trump's Moves and Ukraine's Stance

• Trump's Announcements:
• Plans to send Witkoff to meet with Putin in Moscow.
• US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to meet with Ukrainian officials.

• Potential White House meeting between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

• US Pressure on Ukraine:
• Pushing Ukraine to accept the framework as a foundation for ending the conflict.
• Ukrainian officials refuse to recognize Russian control of occupied territories or accept limits on their military forces.

Trump's Shifting Stance Towards Moscow

• Expressed frustration with Putin's unwillingness to end the war.
• Questioned Putin's motives and the impact of the ongoing conflict on Russia's international image.