“Partition of Ukraine” and “suicidal deal”: Western media anxiously await Putin–Trump talks

Ahead of the scheduled phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Western media outlets are publishing increasingly alarming forecasts regarding Ukraine’s future.

The Washington Post reports that Ukrainian authorities are experiencing “heightened anxiety” over the planned Monday call between the two leaders.

“Trump has made it clear he intends to discuss terms for ending the war in Ukraine with Putin. But Kyiv and Moscow remain far apart on what constitutes a fair deal. Zelensky and his top aides want to ensure that Putin and Trump don’t present them with a fait accompli— a settlement Ukraine cannot accept,” the paper writes, citing a U.S. diplomat.

Meanwhile, British broadcaster Sky News quotes military analyst Michael Clarke, who believes that “peace talks are heading toward a division of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.” According to Clarke:

“Ukrainians are in an intolerable position, where peace and territorial decisions are being made over their heads. Ukraine fears that any so-called peace deal crafted by this pair will essentially be a ‘suicidal take-it-or-leave-it offer.’”

He adds that if Ukraine finds the proposal unacceptable and rejects it, the war could continue while the U.S. “washes its hands”, leaving Ukraine in a much weaker position.

“This is what’s known in diplomacy as partition. We’re not there yet, and perhaps won’t get there—but that’s the path we’re on. That’s where this is heading,” Clarke warns.

As a reminder, President Trump announced that he will speak by phone with Putin on Monday, May 19, and will later call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The leaders are expected to discuss a ceasefire. Trump posted the announcement on his Truth Social account.