Putin Outlines New Ukraine Peace Terms, Including Donbas Withdrawal and NATO Restrictions
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented a revised set of demands for ending the conflict in ukraine, calling for Kyiv too relinquish control of the remaining parts of the Donbas region, forgo NATO membership, and maintain a neutral status with limitations on Western military presence. These proposals were discussed during a recent meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, marking the first high-level Russia-U.S. summit in over four years.
Summit discussions and compromises
The three-hour closed-door meeting between Putin and Trump largely focused on potential compromises to resolve the Ukraine crisis, according to sources familiar with Kremlin thinking. While both leaders refrained from detailing specifics publicly, Putin indicated a willingness to adjust some of his earlier territorial demands. He initially sought the complete cession of four Ukrainian provinces – Donetsk and Luhansk (comprising the Donbas), as well as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia – a demand Kyiv deemed unacceptable.
The current proposal centers on ukraine’s complete withdrawal from the portions of the donbas it still controls. In exchange, Russia would establish a demarcation line in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, effectively halting further advances in those regions. according to U.S.estimates, Russia currently controls approximately 88% of the Donbas and 73% of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Moscow is also prepared to relinquish control of smaller areas within the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk regions it currently occupies.
Did You Know?
The Donbas region holds significant industrial importance for Ukraine, containing substantial coal reserves and heavy industry.
NATO and Security concerns
Putin continues to insist on guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO and seeks a legally binding commitment from the alliance to halt further eastward expansion. He also demands limitations on the size of the Ukrainian army and a prohibition on the deployment of Western troops within Ukraine, even as part of a potential peacekeeping force. These demands echo long-standing Russian security concerns regarding NATO’s presence near its borders. Openness to ‘peace’ on terms categorically unacceptable to the other side could be more of a performance for Trump then a sign of a true willingness to compromise
, noted Samuel Charap, chair in Russia and Eurasia Policy at RAND.
Current Control of ukrainian Territory
| Region | Russian Control (%) |
|---|---|
| Donbas | 88% |
| Zaporizhzhia | 73% |
| Kherson | 73% |
| Total Ukrainian Territory | ~20% (area roughly the size of Ohio) |
Despite these proposals,significant obstacles remain. ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected any territorial concessions, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Donbas region as a key defensive line. He also reaffirmed Ukraine’s constitutional commitment to seeking NATO membership, stating that Russia has no authority to dictate the alliance’s membership policies.
Pro Tip:
Understanding the past context of the Donbas region, including its cultural and economic ties to Russia, is crucial for grasping the complexities of the conflict.
Trump’s Role and Potential for Negotiation
Former President Trump has expressed a desire to end the “bloodbath” in Ukraine and position himself as a “peacemaker.” He has indicated that he is working to arrange a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, perhaps followed by a trilateral summit involving the United States. Putin, through intermediaries like Steve Witkoff, has conveyed his readiness for compromise, recognizing the economic strain of the war and the challenges of further territorial gains.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Putin is open to a meeting with Zelenskyy, but only after all key issues are addressed and concerns about Zelenskyy’s legitimacy – due to the postponement of presidential elections – are resolved. The leaders of britain, France, and Germany have expressed skepticism about Putin’s genuine desire for peace.
Alternative frameworks for a formal agreement include revisiting the failed 2022 Istanbul agreements, which proposed Ukrainian neutrality in exchange for security guarantees from the UN Security council’s permanent members. As outlined in the Council on Foreign Relations’ Conflict Tracker, the path to a lasting resolution remains fraught with challenges.
What are the biggest obstacles to achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine, and how can international actors help overcome them? What role should the United States play in mediating a resolution?
Background and Trends
The conflict in Ukraine has deep roots, stemming from historical, political, and cultural factors. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, ukraine declared independence in 1991, but Russia maintained significant influence in the region, especially in Crimea and the Donbas. The 2014 annexation of Crimea and the subsequent conflict in the Donbas marked a turning point, escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The current full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022, represents a significant escalation of the conflict, with far-reaching geopolitical consequences. The ongoing war has triggered a humanitarian crisis, displaced millions of Ukrainians, and disrupted global supply chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Donbas region? The Donbas is a historical, cultural, and economic region in eastern Ukraine, primarily known for its coal mining and heavy industry.
- Why is NATO expansion a concern for Russia? Russia views NATO expansion as a threat to its security interests,perceiving it as an encroachment on its sphere of influence.
- What were the Istanbul agreements? These were preliminary peace talks held in Istanbul in 2022, proposing Ukrainian neutrality in exchange for security guarantees.
- What is Zelenskyy’s position on territorial concessions? President Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not cede any of its internationally recognized territory.
- What role is Donald Trump playing in the peace process? Former President Trump has indicated a desire to mediate a resolution and has been involved in discussions with both Putin and Zelenskyy.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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