Trump and Putin converse about potential territorial concessions from Ukraine
In recent discussions between President Trump and Russian leader Putin, the question of potential territorial concessions by Ukraine has been a topic of discussion. According to reports, the talks involved the possibility of Ukraine ceding a significant portion of the Donetsk region, although the exact details remain unclear [1].
The proposed concessions would be unprecedented, as Ukraine currently controls about 25% of Donetsk. This scenario suggests a potential deal where Ukraine might have to agree to territorial concessions in Donetsk, but due to Ukraine's absence in these discussions and the lack of clarity, no firm agreement has been publicly confirmed [1].
One of the key points of discussion was Putin's demand for full control over the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. However, Ukraine still holds a quarter of the territory in the Donetsk region, while only a few square kilometers in Luhansk remain under Ukrainian control [1].
The Russian army has occupied parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions since 2014, and through its conquests in the south, Russia has created a land bridge to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014. The Dnipro River separates the controlled and uncontrolled parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, regions where Russia currently holds parts [1].
The potential concessions would require Ukraine to cede several thousand square kilometers of territory and strategically important cities, including well-fortified cities like Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and Kostyantynivka [1]. This could be a significant blow to Ukraine, as ceding territory in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson would cause severe internal political turmoil [1].
The Ukrainian population is war-weary after three and a half years of constant Russian attacks. President Zelensky needs to hurry to organize political support in his country, as a deal is imminent. Trump has informed European partner countries about possible swap deals after the Bannon visit, and he has also spoken vaguely about an exchange of territories currently held by either Russian or Ukrainian troops [1].
However, the Ukrainian army would still hold a few square kilometers in Luhansk, and Trump's ultimatum to Putin to stop the war expired and was dissolved in the preparations for the summit [1]. The White House initially planned a three-way meeting between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky, but Moscow invited Trump for a second meeting to Russia, leaving Zelensky out [1].
This raises concerns about the legitimacy and feasibility of any territorial concessions made without Ukraine's direct participation. Some accounts about the talks have been walked back, making the full scope of concessions uncertain [1].
[1] Source: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News, and CNN reports.
The discussions between President Trump and Russian leader Putin have included potential territorial concessions by Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region, which could lead to a political crisis given Ukraine's current control of about 25% of this region. These concessions, if agreed upon, would be significant as they involve strategic cities like Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and Kostyantynivka. However, due to Ukraine's absence in the discussions and the lack of clarity, no firm agreement has been confirmed publicly.
