According to Bloomberg News, the United States and Russia are working toward an agreement aimed at halting the war in Ukraine by formalising Russia’s occupation of territories seized during its invasion.

Officials from both countries are preparing for a possible summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week.

While a White House official called the report speculative and the Kremlin declined to comment, Trump indicated that the deal might involve territory exchanges beneficial to both sides.

"I'll be meeting very shortly with President Putin. It would have been sooner, but I guess there are security arrangements that unfortunately people have to make," Trump said.

The president also announced plans to reveal details about the summit soon.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, without directly addressing the report, expressed the U.S.’s commitment to a ceasefire and stressed the need for collective efforts to secure lasting peace.

Zelenskyy acknowledged ongoing communications with international leaders, including the U.S., emphasizing the possibility of a ceasefire if sufficient pressure is applied to Russia.

Ukraine has shown some flexibility in negotiations but losing roughly 20% of its territory would be politically and emotionally difficult.

Experts like former U.S. State Department official Tyson Barker predict that Ukraine would likely reject any deal cementing Russia’s gains, instead maintaining firm conditions for peace while appreciating U.S. support.

"The best the Ukrainians can do is remain firm in their objections and their conditions for a negotiated settlement, while demonstrating their gratitude for American support," said Barker, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council.

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