Former President Donald Trump's efforts to broker peace in Ukraine have been marked by confusion and mixed signals, particularly regarding proposals for a ceasefire and territorial concessions. Analysts and commentators highlight that Trump's approach conflated multiple negotiation elements—ceasefire, land swaps, and security guarantees—into a single package, which hindered progress. Experts argue that a successful diplomatic resolution requires a clear sequence: first securing US and European security guarantees for Ukraine, followed by direct negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin on border issues. The notion of a 'land swap' was a central but ultimately unsuccessful component of Trump's peace initiative. Observers stress that prioritizing a ceasefire over a comprehensive peace settlement aligns better with the current readiness for resolution in the conflict.