Putin’s Military Gamble Shocks the World as Zelensky Stands Firm: Is the Russia-Ukraine War Nearing Its Endgame?
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would not surrender “even an inch” of its territory, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a stunning move that caught the world off guard. Within just 24 hours, Russian forces captured 110 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory — the largest single-day military advance of the war so far.
This dramatic shift came even as Putin participated in a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, where he laid out specific demands to end the war. At the same time, Russian troops were being pushed forward on the front lines, signaling a dual-track strategy: diplomacy paired with escalation.
Putin’s Proposal: Peace with Conditions
At the Alaska summit, Putin reportedly told Trump that Russia would be willing to end the war if Ukraine agreed to cede control of Donetsk and Luhansk, two regions in eastern Ukraine. In return, Russia would withdraw from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
However, the key condition was for Ukraine — and the West — to recognize Donetsk and Luhansk as Russian territory.
Surprisingly, Donald Trump expressed support for considering Putin’s proposal. He even suggested that NATO countries should evaluate the idea seriously if it could lead to a peaceful resolution.
Trump–Zelensky Meeting to Focus on War & Global Stability
Following the Alaska summit, Trump is now set to meet Zelensky in Washington, D.C., for a critical dialogue on the war and its potential end. The meeting will also include several European leaders, with discussions expected to focus on regional stability, military and economic aid, and global security concerns.
According to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Putin has, for the first time, shown willingness to agree to a NATO-style security guarantee for Ukraine, as part of a potential peace agreement. Witkoff stated that these guarantees would resemble NATO’s Article 5, offering mutual defense assurance from the U.S. and European allies — a key condition to end the war that’s now in its fourth year.
Zelensky Warns Against “Russian Trap”
Ahead of his meeting with Trump, Zelensky arrived in Brussels and emphasized that a ceasefire is essential before any final agreement can be negotiated.
He said:
“We need serious talks, and unity will be the key to achieving peace. But I won’t give away any Ukrainian land — if we give up two regions today, Russia will come for more tomorrow.”
Zelensky labeled Putin’s peace offer as a strategic trap, warning that accepting it could endanger Ukraine’s sovereignty and embolden further Russian aggression.
Russia’s Major Advance: A Tactical Message
Putin didn’t stop at diplomacy. Just 48 hours before the Alaska meeting, Russia launched one of its swiftest military offensives in Donetsk. In less than a day, Russian forces took control of 110 square kilometers — the largest single-day advance of 2025.
The timing of the move — coinciding with diplomatic talks — is being seen as a calculated show of strength aimed at pressuring Ukraine and the West into accepting Russia’s terms.
“NATO-Style” Security Deal on the Table
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy, made a major revelation in an interview with CNN, confirming that during the Alaska summit, Putin agreed in principle to allow the U.S. and its allies to provide NATO-equivalent defense guarantees to Ukraine.
“This would mirror NATO’s Article 5,” Witkoff explained, “ensuring that any attack on Ukraine would trigger a collective response.”
Such an arrangement could form the backbone of a long-term peace settlement — if both sides reach a mutual understanding.
The Big Question: Is the War Finally Nearing an End?
With diplomacy intensifying, military maneuvers escalating, and once-unthinkable proposals being discussed — including a partial NATO-style defense pact — the Russia-Ukraine conflict appears to be approaching a critical juncture.
Whether this marks the beginning of the end or just another turning point in a long, drawn-out war remains to be seen. But for now, the world is watching closely — and cautiously.
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