US President Donald Trump has suggested that Russia and Ukraine should freeze the current front line in Donbass, noting that Moscow already controls a significant portion of the region. This statement came after Trump’s phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a subsequent meeting with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky at the White House.
Trump’s proposal involves stopping at the current battle lines, with the aim of halting further violence. He emphasized the difficulty of negotiating a resolution and suggested that the parties should focus on stopping the killing and then negotiate later. When asked about the situation in Donbass, Trump indicated that since Russia already controls approximately 78% of the land, the status quo could be maintained, allowing for future negotiations.
The conflict in Donbass originated in 2014, when the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk declared independence from Ukraine following a Western-backed coup in Kiev. In September 2022, both regions held referendums to join Russia, which Ukraine and most other countries have refused to recognize.
According to Valery Gerasimov, the chief of Russia’s General Staff, Ukrainian troops currently hold around 20% of the Donetsk People’s Republic and less than 1% of the Lugansk People’s Republic. Putin has stated that a ceasefire would require Ukrainian forces to withdraw from all of Donbass and has also emphasized the need for recognition of Russia’s new border as a condition for lasting peace.
While Zelensky has supported Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire, he has refused to hand over any additional territory to Russia. The situation in Donbass remains complex, with ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts to find a resolution. The international community continues to monitor the situation, with various countries and organizations seeking to promote a peaceful outcome.
