At a recent summit in Alaska, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk as a condition for ending the war, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the talks who spoke to newsmen.
This proposal was reportedly made to US President, Donald Trump during their discussions. Although Russian forces have almost entirely taken control of Luhansk, Ukraine still maintains a stronghold on key parts of Donetsk.
These areas include the strategic cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, where Ukrainian forces have heavily fortified their positions at the cost of tens of thousands of lives.
According to the sources, Putin offered Trump a proposal that would involve a freeze along the remaining frontline in exchange for Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donetsk and Luhansk.
Specifically, Putin suggested halting further advances and freezing the frontline in the southern Ukrainian regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Russian forces currently occupy significant areas in these regions. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently rejected any notion of giving up territory as part of negotiations.
This stance was reaffirmed by European allies on Saturday, who declared that Ukraine’s borders must not be altered through force.
Kyiv’s position underscores the complexities and challenges in reaching a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, with territorial control remaining a critical point of contention.
The proposal and reactions highlight the ongoing struggle for control and sovereignty in the region, with significant implications for the future of Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.
The international community has been closely watching the developments, with varying perspectives on how the conflict should be resolved.
Some analysts believe that Russia’s demands are part of a broader strategy to assert its influence in the region, while others see it as a negotiating tactic.
According to NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, “Russia has no say” on whether Ukraine joins NATO, and “Russia has no right to establish a sphere of influence to try to control their neighbors”.
This stance is supported by many countries that argue Ukraine has the right to self-defense and choose its own security alliances.
The conflict has also sparked debates about the role of international organizations in resolving the crisis.
The United Nations has adopted resolutions calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
However, finding a peaceful solution remains a challenge, with both sides dug in and unwilling to compromise.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of Ukraine and the broader region hangs in the balance, and the international community’s response will have far-reaching implications.