Ukraine prepares to leave Russian-occupied territory

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly ready to give up Russian-occupied territory in a potential peace deal backed by US President Donald Trump, The Telegraph reported on Tuesday (August 12). The offer comes ahead of a high-level meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The report said Volodymyr Zelensky has told European leaders that any deal proposed by Donald Trump would have to be rejected if it involves giving up more territory to Ukraine. However, Russia could be allowed to hold onto some of the land it has seized. This would mean suspending operations on the front lines and handing over control of Russian-occupied territory in Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Kherson and Crimea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has softened his stance ahead of a meeting between Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska next Friday. Zelensky had previously said that no land in Kiev would be handed over to the occupiers. Meanwhile, Ukrainian and European leaders have expressed concerns about the Trump-Putin meeting. On Monday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, “I have many fears and many hopes about this meeting.” He added that US officials have promised to consult with European leaders before a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin.