Russian President Vladimir Putin has handed over to the Donald Trump administration a proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine that would involve significant territorial concessions from Kyiv, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing European and Ukrainian officials.
According to the publication, the Russian plan involves transferring the eastern part of the country, including Donbas, to Ukraine under Russian control without any obligations from Moscow, except for a promise to stop hostilities. Putin voiced the proposal to US special envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting in Moscow, which sparked active diplomatic consultations and attempts to clarify the details.
European and Ukrainian officials briefed by Trump and Witkoff over the week expressed concerns that the Kremlin could use the initiative solely to avoid new U.S. sanctions and tariffs.
Trump said the offer was "enticing enough" to begin arranging a meeting with Putin next week. WSJ note that the Kremlin's plan indicates a rejection of previous demands for control over the entire front line, but uncertainty remains regarding the southern regions - parts of Zaporizhia and Kherson regions, where Russian troops also hold positions.
According to Witkoff, the plan consists of two stages: first, Ukraine withdraws troops from Donetsk, freezing the front line, and then Putin and Trump agree on a final peace treaty, which will be discussed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Kyiv said it did not reject any proposals, but stressed that a complete ceasefire was a necessary condition for negotiations. White House press secretary Caroline Levitt stressed that Trump and his team were discussing "possible paths to peace" with partners in Ukraine and Europe, but refrained from commenting on the details.
At the same time, the Constitution of Ukraine prohibits the president from unilaterally making decisions on changing territories. Zelenskyy previously stated that any territorial issues can be considered only after an unconditional cessation of hostilities by Russia.
