The historic summit in Alaska between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin lasted several hours, but it raised more questions than it answered. At a joint press conference, they presented no official plan that could lead to an end to the war in Ukraine. Instead, they caused embarrassment when Donald Trump appeared to side with the Russian president on key issues.

Although the summit itself did not produce public terms for a ceasefire, the first outlines of Russian proposals began to emerge behind the scenes. According to findings by Reuters, Vladimir Putin was to present six demands that would form the basis for a peace agreement. The proposals concern territorial concessions, the security architecture in Europe, and the status of the Russian language in Ukraine - all of which are unacceptable from Kiev's perspective.

Trump confirmed in an interview with Fox News that he and Putin discussed the issues of Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, and NATO membership, which was promised to Ukraine many years ago. According to Trump, it is “almost a done deal” that Ukraine will give up its ambition to join the North Atlantic Alliance and that Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, will remain under Moscow’s control. Trump also indicated that he was close to a “grand deal,” although he himself admitted that Ukraine may not accept it.

Russian conditions: Donbas for freezing the front

According to Reuters, Putin proposed that Ukraine completely withdraw from the Donbass, which Moscow has so far failed to fully control. In return, Russia would commit to"freezing" the front line in the occupied parts of Zaporizhia and Kherson, thereby preventing another offensive in the south.

Russia would be willing to return small occupied territories in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, the document claims.

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Crimea, sanctions and NATO

Another fundamental demand of the Kremlin is the formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, annexed in 2014. Both Ukraine and its Western allies reject this step.

Putin is also calling for sanctions relief - although it is unclear whether this would apply only to the European Union or also to the United States. Trump mentioned in an interview with Fox News that they had also discussed tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, but he has put them on hold for now.

The Russian proposal includes a commitment that Ukraine will never join NATO. However, Putin has reportedly indicated a willingness to accept some kind of alternative security mechanism, similar to NATO's Article 5, but outside the alliance's structures.

Language and the Church

According to Reuters sources, Moscow is also demanding official status for the Russian language in part or all of Ukraine, and freedom of action for the Russian Orthodox Church.

However, Kiev previously passed a law banning organizations linked to Moscow, including this church, which security services accuse of espionage and spreading propaganda.

Ukrainian position: No territorial concessions

Ukraine has long stressed that it will not accept a peace that would mean the loss of sovereignty or territory. President Zelensky insists that his"peace proposal" includes the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from all territory, including Crimea, the restoration of the 1991 borders, justice for the victims of the war, and security guarantees for the country.

The demand for compensation from Russia and punishment for war crimes is also a key point. According to Kiev, any compromise that would legitimize Russian gains is unacceptable, as it would only encourage further aggression.

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Unclear result

It is unclear whether Putin's demands represent an initial proposal to open negotiations or a final ultimatum. Trump said after the meeting in Alaska that he and Putin had"largely agreed" but added that "Ukraine has to agree - maybe they'll say no."

European leaders, who are meeting with Zelensky and Trump at the White House on Monday evening, are emphasizing that peace must be lasting and must not mean a reward for the aggressor.

Kiev is thus faced with a dilemma: reject the proposal and risk continuing an exhausting war, or accept a compromise that would mean a historic loss of territory and political independence.