US President Donald Trump has abandoned his call for a ceasefire in Ukraine and is now backing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demand for a permanent peace agreement, which would require Ukraine to surrender territory. This shift aligns with Moscow’s talking points but violates international law, as any deal procured by force is illegal under the UN Charter.
Who: The key figures involved are US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. These leaders are engaged in high-stakes diplomacy over the future of Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
What: Trump’s change in position means he now supports a permanent peace deal rather than a temporary ceasefire. A ceasefire would involve a pause in fighting to allow for negotiations, humanitarian aid, or civilian evacuations, while a peace deal would formalize long-term terms, potentially including Ukraine ceding the Donbas region to Russia and forfeiting NATO membership.
When: The developments occurred around August 18-19, 2025, with Trump hosting Zelensky and European leaders in the Oval Office on Monday, August 18, and discussions continuing thereafter. The article was published on August 19, 2025, reflecting recent events.
Where: The primary location for these discussions is the Oval Office in Washington, D.C., where Trump met with Zelensky and European leaders. The conflict itself is centered in Ukraine, particularly in the eastern Donbas region, which is partially occupied by Russian forces.
Why: Putin seeks to legitimize territorial gains made through military force, which is prohibited by international law. Trump’s alignment with Putin’s views may stem from a desire to broker a deal quickly, but it risks undermining global norms. Ukraine and its European allies oppose this because it would reward aggression and set a dangerous precedent.
How: The shift occurred through diplomatic meetings, including Trump’s summit with Putin in Alaska the previous week and subsequent Oval Office talks. European leaders are pushing back, advocating for a ceasefire first to create a window for negotiations, but Trump has questioned the necessity of a temporary truce if a broader deal can be reached.
Impact: This situation threatens the foundational principle of international law that prohibits the use of force to conquer territory. If a peace deal is forced on Ukraine, it could embolden Russia to further aggression, destabilize Europe, and erode trust in diplomatic institutions. Domestically in Ukraine, public opinion strongly rejects ceding land, and any deal would require a constitutional referendum, which is unlikely to pass.
What’s next: European leaders are likely to continue advocating for a ceasefire as a precursor to any trilateral meeting involving Trump, Zelensky, and Putin. The focus will be on finding a way to freeze the conflict along current front lines without recognizing permanent Russian annexation, while maintaining the possibility of Ukraine reclaiming territory in the future. The outcome depends on whether Trump can be persuaded to prioritize a ceasefire over a rushed peace deal.