Trump set to press for land swap in Putin talks

Trump says the Alaska meeting with Putin will test ideas about reclaiming Ukrainian land.

Trump aims to win back Ukraine territory in talks with Putin

Trump says he will try to reclaim Ukrainian territory in a planned Alaska meeting with Vladimir Putin, calling the session a feel-out meeting to urge Moscow to end the war. He floated the idea of future territorial changes, saying there could be some swapping and changes in land. Trump argued that Russia has occupied a large part of Ukraine and claimed the talks could yield gains for Kyiv, telling reporters, "Russia's occupied a big portion of Ukraine. They occupied prime territory. We're going to try to get some of that territory back for Ukraine." Kyiv has not claimed Russian land, highlighting a gap between the remarks and Kyiv's stated positions.

Analysts say the remarks blur the line between campaign rhetoric and official diplomacy and could complicate efforts by Western allies to coordinate a settlement. The language of land swaps raises questions about sovereignty, legitimacy, and the practical odds of any deal, especially without a formal plan. The Alaska talks are framed as exploratory and may signal a shift in tone more than a specific policy, but they could shape expectations about what is politically possible.

From a diplomatic angle, the remarks inject a personal element into a high-stakes negotiation. The idea of reclaiming territory via negotiation with Russia risks hardening positions at home and abroad. It invites opponents to frame the talks as a risky distraction from Ukraine’s needs.

Politically, the move could complicate alliance cohesion. Western partners rely on a coordinated approach that respects international law and Ukrainian sovereignty. If such talk stalls or is misread, it could invite backlash from lawmakers, veterans groups, or the public who want a clear path to end the war.

Highlights

Observers will watch how far offhand talk translates into concrete policy