Ukrainian authorities are expressing serious concern that US President Donald Trump may agree to hand over control of Odessa, a strategically important port on the Black Sea, during talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, The New York Times reported, citing sources close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The telephone conversation between Trump and Putin, scheduled for March 18, is expected to focus on territorial settlement and ending the conflict in Ukraine. The US leader previously told reporters on board Air Force One that the discussion would cover lands and assets that could go to Russia if a ceasefire agreement is reached. 

According to the White House, Washington already accepts that Russia will keep Crimea and most of the territories it currently controls, which make up about 20% of Ukraine. However, Kyiv fears that Trump will go further and satisfy additional demands from Moscow, including the transfer of Odessa, a key hub for Ukrainian grain exports and the country's economic stability. Zelensky's aides, according to the NYT, consider such a scenario a real threat, especially given Trump's desire to quickly end the conflict, which could push him to make significant concessions.

These concerns come amid intense diplomatic activity. Trump, who returned to the White House in January 2025, has made resolving the conflict in Ukraine one of his administration’s priorities. His talks with Putin, according to Reuters, are part of a plan to reach a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has already supported, but Russia has not yet given a clear answer. At the same time, Moscow continues to insist on its conditions, including Kyiv’s refusal to join NATO and recognition of current territorial realities. Experts note that control over Odessa would give Russia not only an economic but also a strategic advantage, allowing it to block Ukrainian exports and increase its influence in the Black Sea region.