Sources report that former US President Donald Trump proposed to European leaders, after a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska, to hand over the entire Donbass region of Ukraine to Russia. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This information was disseminated by The New York Times based on its sources. According to the sources, Trump suggests that if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agrees to hand over the remaining part of Donbass to Russia, a peace agreement could be reached more quickly.
According to this scenario, armed clashes would cease and security guarantees for Kyiv would be ensured. So far, officials have not made any decisions on this matter; the information is only circulating through sources.
Donald Trump held a meeting with Putin on August 15. After the conversation, it became known that he communicated by phone with Zelensky, leaders of European Union countries, NATO Secretary General, and the head of the European Commission.
These contacts are aimed at quickly assessing the political situation and coordinating the next steps. A meeting between Trump and Zelensky is planned at the White House on August 18.
If the negotiations are successful, reports indicate that a trilateral meeting involving the presidents of Russia and Ukraine may be organized on August 22. At this meeting, technical issues regarding the content, terms, and timing of the agreement are expected to be resolved promptly.
However, the Donbass issue involves political, legal, and humanitarian aspects. There are various opinions domestically and internationally regarding the principle of "territory for peace."
It is still unclear how security guarantees for Kyiv will be provided, who will control them, and through what mechanisms. Additionally, the initiative to cease fire is considered an important stage.
If this process is carried out step by step, the humanitarian situation will ease, and a "living corridor" for evacuation and recovery could be opened. However, all this depends on trust, guarantees, and control mechanisms between the parties.
European capitals are carefully studying this proposal from all angles. The next steps will be determined based on agreements between the US, the European Union, and Ukraine, as well as the preservation of "red lines" in dialogue with Moscow.
For now, attention is focused on the conversation at the White House on August 18 and the subsequent trilateral meeting. In summary, serious discussions have begun around the formula "territory for peace" regarding the Donbass issue.
Whether the sources' proposals will be implemented or not, today's discussions may lead to decisions tomorrow or raise new questions. The most important aspect is that any political solution must be consistent with the human factor and security guarantees.
