Russia reportedly delivered a proposal to the United States to hand over the 'Donbas' region, which includes the eastern Ukrainian territories of Donetsk and Luhansk, under the condition of a ceasefire.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 8th (local time) that 'this proposal was directly conveyed by President Vladimir Putin to Steve Whitecroft, the U.S. Middle East envoy, who visited Russia on the 6th for mediating a ceasefire.'
President Putin has been reported to have conveyed that Ukraine would agree to a ceasefire if it concedes the Donbas territory and that fact receives international acknowledgment. After receiving this proposal from President Putin, the U.S. reportedly began preparations for a summit between President Donald Trump and President Putin.
If this proposal is realized, Russia will gain control over Donetsk and Luhansk, collectively known as the Donbas, as well as the Crimean Peninsula, which it forcibly annexed in 2014. Russia has completely occupied Luhansk and currently controls most of Donetsk. The Ukrainian military has established a major city in western Donetsk as a defensive stronghold. From the 6th, the U.S. discussed Russia's proposal with Ukraine and European countries for three days.
However, authorities in Europe and Ukraine reportedly expressed concerns about Russia's proposal. They sought clarity on how Russia intends to manage the territories it currently controls, such as the southern regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, and whether it will freeze the current front lines or completely withdraw its troops, but did not receive clear answers.
Ukraine and Europe have long refused to officially recognize Russia's dominance over the occupied territories. The Ukrainian constitution also prohibits the president from unilaterally approving changes to territorial boundaries.
In Ukraine, which has been at war for over three years, public sentiment is rising in favor of an end to the war, but there is opposition to conceding significant portions of territory. For this reason, it is difficult for Russia's proposal to receive national approval.