U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday (August 16) said Ukraine should seek a deal with Russia to end the war, stressing that Moscow is “a very big power” while Kyiv is not.

His comments came after a high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. According to sources familiar with the talks, Putin demanded additional Ukrainian territory as a condition for halting large-scale hostilities.

Trump later briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, telling him that Moscow was prepared to stop fighting in most areas if Kyiv agreed to cede full control of the Donetsk region. Known as Ukraine’s industrial heartland, Donetsk has long been a strategic objective for the Kremlin.

Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Phone call

The source added that Zelensky rejected the demand outright. Currently, Russia controls roughly one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, including about three-quarters of Donetsk. Moscow first began asserting control over the region in 2014.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump argued that the “best way to end the horrific war” is a direct peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, not a temporary cease-fire. He claimed the agreement could bring lasting stability.

Zelensky, however, voiced skepticism on X (formerly Twitter), writing that Russia’s lack of genuine intent for peace complicates efforts to end the conflict. “One essential element of stopping the war is to stop the killing,” he said. The Ukrainian leader confirmed that he will meet Trump at the White House on Monday.

The two-last met at the Oval Office in February, a tense encounter marked by sharp exchanges, including a heated debate involving U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. This time, Trump has suggested he may attempt to convene Putin and Zelensky for joint talks.

European allies of Ukraine have welcomed Trump’s mediation efforts but vowed to continue backing Kyiv. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said European leaders will also attend Monday’s talks at the White House, although details of who received invitations remain unclear.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, triggering the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. More than one million people have been killed or wounded, including tens of thousands of civilians.