Trump Presents Zelensky with “Reduced Ukraine Map” Amid Talks on Peace Deal; Kyiv Rejects Territorial Concessions

Washington, D.C:In a high-profile meeting held at the **White House**, former U.S. President **Donald Trump** handed **Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky** a map of Ukraine that was **20% smaller**, visually marking areas currently under **Russian control**. The meeting also included **French President Emmanuel Macron**, along with representatives from the **EU** and **NATO**.

According to international media reports, the **highlight of the Oval Office session** was the map, where the **occupied Ukrainian regions** were marked in **pink**, reflecting territories seized by **Russian forces since the beginning of the war**, now entering its fourth year. The map was presented as a **realistic snapshot** of the current ground situation.

Reports suggest that **Russian President Vladimir Putin** is demanding full control of the remaining **Donbas region** before signing any **peace deal**. However, **Kyiv has firmly rejected** any agreement that involves **ceding Ukrainian territory** to Russia.

Russian media, quoting a prominent American newspaper, claimed that **Ukraine will not accept** any peace arrangement that recognizes Russian control over its land. Instead, Ukraine insists that a **ceasefire must precede any comprehensive peace deal**. Kyiv has also reportedly demanded **reparations from Russia**, potentially through **frozen Russian assets**.

In contrast, a separate report from Western media hinted at **Ukraine’s internal debate** over possibly recognizing **de facto Russian control** of eastern regions captured during the war. However, Kyiv still refuses to **legally acknowledge these areas as Russian territory**.

European leaders at the meeting stressed the **need for a ceasefire** before formal peace negotiations, but **Donald Trump disagreed**, stating that a **permanent solution** is more important than a temporary truce.

President Zelensky, during the meeting, emphasized that any **ceasefire must include a full prisoner exchange**. He described his conversation with Trump as **“positive”**, but added that **“the best talks are yet to come.”**

As part of its bid for long-term U.S. security guarantees, **Ukraine is reportedly preparing to offer a \$100 billion weapons deal** to the United States, with financial backing from Europe. The proposal includes **\$50 billion in joint drone manufacturing** between Ukrainian and American defense firms.

Looking ahead, Trump is expected to host a **three-way meeting with both Zelensky and Putin**, aimed at ending the war. President Macron stated that **Europe must have representation** at any such decisive peace summit.

The developments suggest that while **diplomatic momentum is building**, deep **divisions remain** over Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the **future geopolitical balance** in Eastern Europe.