Some type of territory exchange for future security guarantees — Trump's administration on Ukraine peace deal
Фото: AP/Ted Shaffrey
The administration of US President Donald Trump believes that a potential peace deal on Ukraine could involve a territory swap in exchange for security guarantees, though negotiations are ongoing.
This was stated by White House National Security Advisor Michael Walz, Rubryka reports, citing ABC News.
When asked whether he agreed with the vision of a peace agreement outlined by Fox News host Sean Hannity—which suggests US involvement in Ukraine through agreements on rare earth metals, potential deployment of European troops, and Ukraine not joining NATO—Walz acknowledged that similar discussions have been ongoing since 2022 and even earlier. This scenario also suggests that some territories, particularly parts of Donbas, could come under Russian control.
"It will be something like an exchange of territories for future security guarantees and the determination of Ukraine's future status," Walz explained. He added that during a recent meeting of NATO defense ministers, it was made clear that permanent NATO membership for Ukraine is highly unlikely, a position shared by the United States and several other countries.
Walz emphasized that the main elements of a possible agreement are already known, and negotiations are ongoing with both sides. The goal, according to him, is to use "shuttle diplomacy" to bring both parties to the table, stop the war, and prevent further loss of life.
When asked whether a potential peace agreement would allow Russia to retain control of Donbas and Crimea, White House National Security Advisor Michael Walz emphasized the need to approach the issue from a realistic perspective and consider the national interests of the United States.
"We have to ask ourselves, is it in our national interest? Is it realistic? We've talked to the Europeans about this, and the Ukrainians," Walz said.
He questioned whether it is feasible to push every Russian soldier out of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, highlighting the human cost and the risk of escalating the conflict.
"Are we going to drive every Russian off of every inch of Ukrainian soil, including Crimea? We are literally losing hundreds of thousands of people in a matter of months. And could escalate into World War III," he warned.
Walz also stressed the importance of balancing moral arguments with the realities on the ground.
"We can talk about what's right and wrong. And we also have to talk about the reality of the situation on the ground. And that's what we are doing through diplomacy, through shuttle diplomacy, through proximity talks," he concluded.
Truce between Ukraine and Russia
On March 11, delegations from Ukraine and the United States met in Saudi Arabia, where they reached several agreements and discussed Washington's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire along the front line.
Following the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is willing to agree to a ceasefire, but emphasized that the final decision rests with Russia.
However, Russia has expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that the proposal fails to address its demands. Yurii Ushakov, an aide to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, declared that Russia is not interested in a temporary truce, arguing it would merely serve as a "respite for the Ukrainian military."
On March 13, Putin reacted cautiously to the US ceasefire proposal. According to reports, the Russian leader is particularly concerned that Ukrainian forces could withdraw from the Kursk region, where they are allegedly "surrounded."
Meanwhile, Zelensky has emphasized that Russia's demands only serve to complicate the prospects for a ceasefire agreement.
