Trump Floats Russia-Ukraine Territorial Swaps as Basis for Peace

Donald Trump said on 8 Aug 2025 that any settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict would likely involve “some swapping of territories,” adding that he is “looking to get some territory back” for Ukraine. He also asserted that President Vladimir Putin “wants to see peace,” while acknowledging Kyiv would have to make territorial concessions. Trump did not specify which regions might be exchanged or what reciprocal steps Moscow would take. The comments revive debate over territorial compromises nearly four years into the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly ruled out ceding land, insisting Russian forces must withdraw to internationally recognised borders. The Kremlin has said any talks must reflect “new realities” on the ground, a reference to areas it claims to have annexed. Trump’s remarks drew immediate scrutiny as they suggest a negotiating framework that diverges from the current positions of both governments.