Putin Proposes Donbas Surrender for Ukraine Peace, Faces Zelensky Rejection
A potential pathway to peace in Ukraine, reportedly brokered by former US President Donald Trump, centers on significant territorial concessions from Kyiv – a proposal Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already dismissed. The core of the plan, as outlined in recent discussions, involves Ukraine ceding control of the entire Donbas region to Russia, including areas currently held by Ukrainian forces.
Trump’s Diplomatic Push
Following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Donald Trump indicated that his conversations, both in person and via subsequent phone calls, were “successful.” He advocated for an immediate peace agreement rather than a protracted ceasefire, and, according to reports in The New York Times, shared this plan with European leaders. The central tenet of this proposal, repeatedly emphasized, is the handover of the Donbas region – encompassing Donetsk and Luhansk – to Russian control.
Frontline Freeze and NATO Concerns
The Financial Times reported that Putin has also suggested freezing the current frontline in the Kherson and Zaporizja regions. Beyond territorial concessions, the Russian President reportedly proposed a complete ceasefire coupled with a written guarantee against future attacks on Ukraine or any other European nation. A key condition, according to the Financial Times, is addressing the perceived root causes of the conflict, specifically the eastward expansion of NATO.
Putin also seeks official status for the Russian language within Ukraine and protections for Russian Orthodox churches. While open to security guarantees for Ukraine from Western powers, Russia insists these guarantees cannot come through NATO membership. Discussions between Trump and European leaders, as reported by The New York Times, did not include any mention of sanctions relief.
Zelensky Firmly Opposes Territorial Loss
Volodymyr Zelensky unequivocally rejected the possibility of surrendering Donbas, stating on Tuesday that such a move would simply invite another Russian offensive. “If we leave the area, fortifications, hills and heights, they would clearly give another Russian attack,” he explained. He further emphasized on Saturday that any peace negotiations must include Ukraine’s direct participation.
Zelensky stressed the importance of achieving a lasting peace, not merely a temporary respite between Russian attacks. He is demanding the unconditional release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war and deported children. Furthermore, he called on the international community to maintain, and even increase, sanctions pressure on Russia until it ceases its aggression and abandons any attempts at manipulation.
Washington Meeting Looms
These issues are expected to be central to discussions at a meeting scheduled for Monday in Washington, D.C., where Trump and Zelensky will convene, with invitations extended to European leaders. The outcome of this meeting could significantly shape the future trajectory of the conflict and the prospects for a negotiated settlement.
