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President Trump is involved in negotiations to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. There are concerns about the fate of Ukrainian territory claimed by Russia and held by Russian forces.
President Trump mentioned the possibility of "some land swapping" in a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, but the specifics are unclear. Russia currently controls or claims approximately 20% of Ukraine's land.
Recent data from two think tanks, the Institute for the Study of War and the American Enterprise Institute's Critical Threats Project, highlights the areas in Ukraine under Russian control.
President Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House. During the talks, a map of Ukraine displayed areas controlled by Russia or in dispute.
One area of contention is the eastern Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk, where intense fighting has occurred. Russian-backed separatists have controlled parts of this region since 2014.
Despite Russia's invasion of eastern Ukraine in 2022, they have not fully captured the Donbas region. Zelenskyy has refused to surrender Ukrainian territory, including in Donbas, due to constitutional constraints.
Analysts suggest a ceasefire deal could involve freezing the front line without Ukraine officially relinquishing land to Russia. Zelenskyy warns that ceding territory could embolden Russia for future aggression.
Putin views Ukraine as integral to Russia culturally and politically. Zelenskyy fears a pause in fighting without strong security guarantees could lead to further Russian aggression.
Russia has continued strikes on Ukraine during negotiations. Prior to Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy, Russian strikes hit several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv.