Putin Demands Donbas Territory from Trump as Condition for Ceasefire in Ukraine

There have been reports that Russia has proposed to the United States to hand over the Donbas region as a condition for a ceasefire. With President Donald Trump of the United States and President Vladimir Putin of Russia set to hold a summit in Alaska on the 15th, attention is focused on what agreements may be reached.

On the 8th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Russia delivered a proposal to the United States to allow a ceasefire if the 'Donbas' region in eastern Ukraine, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk, is handed over. This proposal was directly conveyed by President Putin to Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy who visited Russia on the 6th to mediate the ceasefire.

If this measure is realized, Russia would secure control over Donetsk, Luhansk, and the Crimean Peninsula, which it forcibly annexed in 2014. Russia has already gained full control over Luhansk and now occupies the majority of Donetsk. Ukrainian forces are holding out in key cities in western Donetsk as strongholds for defense.

Since the 6th, the United States has held phone briefings for three days discussing Russia's proposal with Ukraine and European countries, but it has been reported that there are considerable concerns about Russia's offer.

Ukraine and Europe have consistently refused to officially recognize Russia's control over occupied territories. The Ukrainian constitution prohibits the president from unilaterally approving territorial changes. While public sentiment in Ukraine for ending the war is increasing, there is strong opposition to conceding a significant amount of territory.

When asked whether Ukraine is expected to cede territory to Russia as a ceasefire condition, President Trump replied, "It's very complicated," adding, "We will take back some (territory). Some will be exchanged."

Yonghyun Shin, Hankyung.com reporter yonghyun@hankyung.com