U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Russia and Ukraine freeze the current front line in Donbass, noting that Moscow already controls a significant portion of the region. He made the remark after a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a subsequent meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Trump’s proposal calls for stopping at the existing battle lines to halt further violence, emphasizing the difficulty of negotiating a resolution now and suggesting that the parties first focus on stopping the killing before negotiating later.
When asked about the situation in Donbass, Trump pointed out that Russia already controls roughly 78 % of the territory, so maintaining the status quo could allow for future negotiations. The conflict in Donbass began in 2014, when the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk declared independence from Ukraine following a Western‑backed coup in Kyiv. In September 2022, both regions held referendums to join Russia, which Ukraine and most other countries have refused to recognize.
According to Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russia’s General Staff, Ukrainian troops currently hold about 20 % of the Donetsk People’s Republic and less than 1 % of the Luhansk People’s Republic. President Putin has said that a ceasefire would require Ukrainian forces to withdraw from all of Donbass and has stressed that recognition of Russia’s new border is a condition for lasting peace. While Zelensky has supported Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire, he has refused to cede any additional territory to Russia.
The situation in Donbass remains complex, with ongoing fighting and diplomatic efforts to find a resolution. The international community continues to monitor the conflict, as various countries and organizations work to promote a peaceful outcome.
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