Did Zelensky Have a Lengthy Discussion with Trump About the Map of Russian-Occupied Territories?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Zelensky and Trump discussed a map of occupied territories.
- Percentages of land control are pivotal in peace negotiations.
- Russia's demands involve the eastern Donbas region.
- Security guarantees are essential for any territorial discussions.
- A meeting between Zelensky and Putin is anticipated soon.
Washington, Aug 19 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he engaged in an extensive discussion with US President Donald Trump regarding a map featured in the Oval Office that illustrates territories in Ukraine occupied by Russia.
"I debated the percentages on the map as I am quite familiar with these figures," he remarked on Monday.
Despite the challenging topic, the two leaders had a warm and meaningful dialogue about the situation, according to Zelensky.
"It's not feasible to claim that this area has been seized within this timeframe. These details are crucial," he emphasized.
A map indicating the percentages of Ukrainian land seized by Russia was present during Trump's meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office.
Zelensky seemingly acknowledged this map in a subsequent meeting with Trump and European leaders, where he conveyed that he had shared battlefield information using the map.
"Thanks for the map, by the way," Zelensky stated.
"Great map," Trump responded.
"I'm contemplating how to reclaim it," Zelensky joked.
"We'll get you one," Trump replied.
The question of whether Russia will maintain dominance over Ukrainian territories, and which specific areas will remain under its control, is pivotal in ongoing peace discussions.
Moscow has urged Kyiv to surrender the eastern region of Donbas in exchange for a ceasefire, a request that Zelensky has firmly opposed.
On Sunday evening, Trump posted on Truth Social that Zelensky could end the conflict "almost instantly" if he agrees to certain demands, including "No reclaiming of Crimea from Obama" — referencing the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. President Obama did not acknowledge Crimea as a part of Russia.
However, NATO Chief Mark Rutte stated that the redrawing of Ukrainian territories was not a topic of discussion, underscoring that this is a matter for Zelensky to address in a potential trilateral meeting with Russia.
The European leaders who gathered at the White House did not engage in discussions about altering Ukrainian borders, as this is an issue for President Zelensky to tackle in a possible trilateral discussion with Russia, Rutte added.
"That wasn't on our agenda today," he mentioned to Fox News when inquired about the topic.
"All leaders, including (US President Donald Trump), acknowledged that discussions regarding territory must be led by the Ukrainian President during trilateral talks, and likely more discussions with Vladimir Putin of Russia will follow."
"Today, the consensus among leaders was that any territory discussions would necessitate security guarantees," Rutte noted. He emphasized that every nation in the coalition must concur on the nature of these guarantees.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky within the next two weeks following a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reported.
The venue for this meeting is yet to be determined, Merz informed reporters on Monday evening.
He mentioned that such a summit requires thorough preparation but expressed uncertainty about whether Putin would have the "courage" to attend.