Trump: Time has come for us to work with Russia

But peace deal could cost Ukraine its occupied land

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

DONALD Trump's pledge to end the Ukraine war could come at a bitter cost for Kyiv amid fears peace will only happen if it gives up land occupied by Russia.

The US President declared it was "time to work with Moscow" after a cosy chat with Vladimir Putin, who launched a murderous full-scale invasion of his neighbour in 2022.

But Mr Trump seemingly did not even consult Volodymyr Zelensky before announcing yesterday he will hold negotiations with the Russian dictator on ending the war that has raged for three years.

He finally phoned the Ukraine President last night, who said the pair had a "long conversation about the possibilities of achieving peace".

Mr Zelensky added: "Ukraine wants peace more than anyone else. We are defining our joint steps with America to stop Russian aggression and guarantee a lasting peace."

But US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Kyiv and its allies to abandon the "illusionary goal" of restoring Ukraine's borders to their pre-2014 status before Russia seized Crimea and parts of eastern areas.

Moscow currently occupies about 20% of the country, which includes large parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Putin has said often he is prepared to negotiate an end to the war but only if Kyiv accepts Russia's gains.