Trump–Putin ‘secret deal’ speculation fuels global geopolitical churn | DNA Explains | World News

Speculations about a possible back-channel agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have intensified ahead of the meeting, which is expected to be held for the first time in approximately 160 days. While the location of the meeting has not been disclosed, diplomatic circles believe discussions may revolve around two critical flashpoints: the ongoing Ukrainian war and the strategic future of Greenland. The emerging narrative suggests a recalibration of great power politics at a time when the global order already seems under pressure.

In today’s episode of DNA, Zee News Editor-in-Chief Rahul Sinha conducted a detailed analysis of these developments, questioning long-held assumptions in West Asia and beyond. The analysis argues that changing geopolitical interests may no longer align Moscow with Tehran as before, challenging the Iranian-led belief that Russia would automatically come to Tehran’s aid in the event of a US attack.

‘What does this mean?’..where are you?
ट्रंप-पुतिन में कब्जे वाली ‘डील’ का विश्लेषण
शंकराचार्य पर सबसे नये ‘धर्मयुद्ध’ का this

This #DNA LIVE Rahul Sinha#DNAमित्रों #ZeeLive #ZeeNews #DNAwithRahulSinha@RahulSinhaTV

https://t.co/rmGvtzIsUm— Zee News (@ZeeNews) January 22, 2026

Greenland is at the center of the debate. While much of Europe has resisted Trump’s interest in the Arctic region, Putin has made statements that appear to indirectly support Washington’s position, even drawing historical parallels with Denmark’s sale of the Virgin Islands to the United States in 1917. Analysts interpret this as a sign that Moscow might be open to easing pressure on Denmark, perhaps in exchange for American concessions elsewhere.

The other important pillar of speculation continues to be Ukraine. Trump’s recent statements, including those in Davos, indicate a softer tone toward Russia and harsher criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While Trump has repeatedly suggested that a deal to end the war is near, he has also hinted that Kiev has been an obstacle in past negotiations. These statements closely reflect what Moscow is saying and further fuel talk of a possible agreement between the two leaders.

Three broad scenarios are discussed by observers. One suggests that Washington could allow Russia to retain control over parts of eastern Ukraine, including the Donbas, while Moscow helps the United States advance its Greenland strategy. In addition to the decrease in US military support to Ukraine under the flag of truce, another point is the increase in Russian military activity in the Arctic to put pressure on Denmark. The third scenario involves excluding Ukraine from NATO in exchange for easing sanctions against Russia and limiting Russia’s role in China’s Arctic geopolitics.

Adding to the intrigue are reports that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and the former president’s son-in-law plan to meet Putin in Moscow. Officially framed as efforts to halt the Ukrainian conflict, these meetings are also seen as potential groundswell for broader geopolitical bargaining.

Experts warn that if such an arrangement were to materialize, it could mean a return to a “sphere of influence” world order reminiscent of the post-World War II era shaped by the 1945 Yalta Conference. In such a scenario, powerful nations would dominate regions at the expense of smaller states, potentially triggering new conflicts from East Asia to the Middle East.

While Trump and Putin have talked about peace initiatives, including support for the Gaza peace plan, analysts warn that transactional diplomacy between major powers could ultimately deepen global instability rather than resolve it. In an age of shifting alliances, the coming days may be crucial for the future balance of power.