Zelensky, Trump discuss map of Russian-occupied territories.
During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former U.S. President Donald Trump had a map displayed in the Oval Office that appeared to show percentages of Ukrainian regions currently occupied by Russia. According to reports, the two leaders engaged in a long discussion over the map, which highlighted the scale of territory under Russian control. The visual display reportedly played a key role in their talks, underscoring the deep divisions and challenges surrounding the ongoing war.
Washington: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that he had a lengthy and, at times, intense discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump inside the Oval Office over a map that was on display, which showed Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine.
For the Ukrainian leader, those numbers are not abstract—they represent cities under siege, villages destroyed, and people who remain trapped under Russian control.
Despite the heated exchange over the map’s accuracy, Zelensky emphasized that the two leaders ultimately shared what he described as a “warm and meaningful conversation.” According to him, the issue was not just about numbers, but about truth. These points are important,” he stressed, pointing out that every figure carries a human cost.
**A map at the center of talks**Positioned prominently in the Oval Office, it became a centerpiece of discussion when Trump and Zelensky met. Later, during another meeting with Trump and several European leaders, Zelensky again brought up the subject, acknowledging the role of visuals in shaping perceptions of the battlefield.
“Thank you for the map, by the way,” Zelensky told Trump, half in jest but also underscoring how such depictions influence dialogue.
“Good map,” Trump responded with a nod.
“I’m thinking how to take it back,” Zelensky quipped, offering a lighthearted but poignant reminder of Ukraine’s determination to reclaim its lands.
Trump, in his characteristic style, replied: “We’ll get you one.”
While the exchange drew some smiles, it also reflected the deep uncertainty looming over ongoing peace talks. Whether Russia will retain control of the occupied territories—or be forced to withdraw—is one of the central questions in negotiations. The fate of regions like Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson hangs in the balance, shaping the course of any possible settlement.
In a significant development, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to meet Zelensky within the next two weeks. The agreement reportedly came during a phone call between Putin and Trump, marking a potential turning point in the long and bloody conflict.
“Such a meeting needs to be well prepared,” he cautioned, noting that logistics and diplomatic groundwork will be crucial.
However, Merz struck a candid tone about Putin’s willingness to engage sincerely. “I don’t know if President Putin will have the courage to attend such a summit,” he said, reflecting widespread skepticism in Europe about Moscow’s intentions.
**A fragile hope**Numbers, borders, and shaded regions on a piece of paper may seem clinical, but for Ukrainians, each mark represents families displaced, soldiers lost, and communities waiting for liberation.
As the possibility of direct talks between Zelensky and Putin looms, the world watches closely. The Oval Office map may have sparked debate, but it also highlighted a larger truth: the struggle for Ukraine’s territory is not just about land—it is about people, sovereignty, and the future of Europe itself.