Edith Hejberg
The battle to maintain these areas has been intense, with tens of thousands of lives lost since the war began.
At a recent summit in Alaska, Russian President Vladimir Putin laid out a stark demand: Ukraine must fully withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk before Russia will consider ending the war.
A Tactical Offer: Freeze the Frontline Elsewhere
In return for Ukraine’s exit from the two eastern regions, Putin reportedly offered a deal to freeze the current frontline in southern Ukraine.
That would include halting Russian advances in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, where Moscow already controls large portions of territory.
Luhansk Mostly Under Russian Control
Luhansk, one of the two regions in question, is already largely under Russian occupation.
Ukraine maintains little presence there, making the demand less about current control and more about formal recognition of Russian claims.
Donetsk: A Fierce and Costly Battlefield
Donetsk, however, is a different story. Ukrainian forces still hold crucial cities such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, as well as entrenched defensive positions.
The battle to maintain these areas has been intense, with tens of thousands of lives lost since the war began.
A Standoff Between Worldviews
Putin’s proposal underscores Russia’s strategic aim: to cement its grip over parts of eastern Ukraine while drawing a line elsewhere.
For Kyiv, though, the demand strikes at the heart of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Zelenskyy: No Territory for Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stood firm.
His administration has repeatedly stated that it will not trade land for peace, arguing that doing so would legitimize Russia’s aggression and set a dangerous precedent.
Europe Stands with Ukraine
Ukraine’s position continues to be backed by its Western allies. Over the weekend,
European leaders once again reiterated that Ukraine’s borders must not be changed by force, signaling strong opposition to any deal that involves ceding territory.
War’s End Still a Distant Prospect
Despite signs of diplomatic maneuvering, the road to peace remains uncertain. With Moscow pressing for major concessions and Kyiv refusing to yield, the prospect of a negotiated settlement appears as remote as ever.
