Today, March 18, as part of discussions on Ukraine's post-war settlement, US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will consider the possible consequences for Ukraine after the war ends. In particular, according to anonymous sources, possible options regarding the Odesa port that could satisfy Russia's interests are being discussed. This was reported by the New York Times, citing sources, informs UNN.
Details
I think we're going to be talking about land, it's a lot of land. Significantly different than it was before the war. It's a big question, but I think we've already discussed a lot on both sides,
The American president was cautious in commenting on which parts of Ukrainian territory he was discussing. It is unknown whether he tried to limit Putin's ambitions. The Trump administration has already made it clear that it expects to leave Russia in control of the territories already governed by its troops, approximately 20 percent of Ukraine's territory.
At the same time, aides to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern that Trump might be willing to satisfy Putin's demands regarding certain territories, including ports, particularly Odesa.
Trump's national security adviser Michael Waltz noted that negotiations with Russia would be pragmatic, but he categorically rejected any discussion of the possibility of "rewarding" Russia for its aggression.
Response from the NSDC Center for Countering Disinformation
According to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the NSDC Center for Countering Disinformation, the NYT article does not state that Trump may agree to transfer the port of Odesa to Russia's control.
"No, of course, the NYT article does not say that "Trump may agree to transfer the port of Odesa to Russia's control." No one can transfer any port to Russia. Moreover, the article states that unnamed "Ukrainian officials" are concerned that during the dialogue between the US and Russia, "Putin's territorial claims, possibly including the port of Odesa," may be considered.
Again, some unknown sources, insiders, hype.
As I said, there will be a lot of this, and there will be a lot more.
But such leaks usually have nothing to do with reality," he stressed.