Trump Warns Ukraine of Further Territorial Losses Amid High-Level US-Russia Diplomatic Engagements
Washington, D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Friday, cautioning that Ukraine risks losing additional territory if a comprehensive agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict is not reached. He emphasized that Kyiv is “exposed to losing new areas unless it achieves a comprehensive agreement.”
Trump’s remarks come amidst a flurry of diplomatic activity, including a significant meeting between a U.S. delegation and Russian leadership, signaling intensified efforts to address the protracted conflict.
High-Stakes Diplomacy in Moscow
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a U.S. delegation, led by Special Envoy Steven Witkoff, at the Kremlin. The meeting, which lasted nearly four hours, was described as “very useful and constructive” by Yuri Ushakov, a top aide to President Putin. This high-level engagement underscores the critical nature of the discussions aimed at finding a pathway to peace.
Dual-Track Talks in Abu Dhabi
Further demonstrating the breadth of the diplomatic push, Russia and the United States have agreed to convene the inaugural meeting of a trilateral working group focused on security issues. This crucial gathering is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, bringing together representatives from the three participating nations. A Russian delegation, including Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Russian General Staff, and other senior Ministry of Defense officials, is slated to travel to the UAE for these talks after receiving necessary directives from President Putin.
According to Ushakov, American officials have acknowledged a crucial point: a long-term resolution to the Ukrainian conflict remains elusive without addressing the territorial question, specifically referencing the “Anchorage Summit formula” for resolving such issues.
Concurrently, Abu Dhabi will also host a meeting of the bilateral economic working group. Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and President Putin’s special representative for economic and foreign investment, will meet with Steven Witkoff to discuss the status of frozen Russian assets, adding another layer to the complex negotiations.
Prior Engagement with Kyiv
These diplomatic maneuvers follow a recent meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Switzerland. The conversation, lasting less than an hour, was characterized as “positive” by Trump, who indicated that discussions regarding the settlement process for the Ukrainian conflict would continue.
The combined diplomatic efforts, coupled with Trump’s stark warning, highlight the urgency and complexity of reaching a resolution that addresses the core issues of the conflict and potentially prevents further territorial shifts.
