In a move that could reshape the trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that Moscow take full control of the Donbas region in exchange for freezing front lines elsewhere. According to European diplomats, President Donald Trump backs Putin’s terms, describing them as a path to a broader peace agreement.
A U.S. official confirmed to Fox News that Trump personally urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept Putin’s offer, which would cede the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk—territories with a pre-war population of roughly 6.5 million.
Details of the Proposal
During their meeting in Alaska on Friday, Putin reportedly told Trump and European allies that Russia insists on full control of Luhansk and Donetsk, but appeared open to freezing military activity in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson along the current lines of contact.
Putin’s willingness to “freeze” portions of the front signals a potential shift away from expanding Russian-controlled territory beyond the Donbas. Trump echoed this sentiment on social media, saying:
“It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.”
Zelenskyy’s Refusal
Despite Trump’s urging, Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected surrendering the Donbas, citing Ukraine’s constitution and security concerns. Ukraine still controls about 30% of Donetsk, and Zelenskyy has warned that handing over the territory would only create a staging ground for future Russian offensives.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Monday, where the peace proposal is expected to dominate discussions.
European Reaction
Reaction in Europe has been cautious. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told ZDF television that Trump relayed Russia’s willingness to negotiate along the line of contact rather than official administrative boundaries.
While European leaders issued a joint statement welcoming Trump’s peace efforts, they did not clarify whether they supported a comprehensive peace deal or a short-term ceasefire.
Putin and Trump’s Dialogue
Putin described his talks with Trump in Alaska as “very frank”, emphasizing that Moscow respects Washington’s stated goal of achieving a speedy end to military actions.
“We would like to move to resolving all issues by peaceful means,” Putin said during a Kremlin follow-up meeting.
Trump has also shifted away from supporting a ceasefire, instead advocating for a formal peace deal—a position that aligns with Putin’s rejection of temporary truces.
Context and Implications
The Donbas has been at the center of the conflict since 2014, when Russia-backed separatists declared breakaway republics in Luhansk and Donetsk. Full Russian control of the region has been a central Kremlin objective throughout the war.
Trump’s backing of Putin’s proposal marks a significant diplomatic development. While it raises the possibility of ending large-scale hostilities, it also places pressure on Zelenskyy to consider territorial concessions that could fracture Ukrainian political unity.
If accepted, the deal could freeze current battle lines, end open fighting, and potentially reduce Western military aid to Ukraine. Critics, however, warn it could embolden Moscow to regroup and launch renewed offensives in the future.
The proposal that Trump backs Putin’s Donbas peace deal underscores a potential turning point in the war. With Trump actively mediating between Putin, Zelenskyy, and European leaders, the coming White House meeting could decide whether Ukraine holds its territory or accepts a settlement that prioritizes peace over sovereignty.
As both Washington and Moscow signal a willingness to push for peace, the global question remains: will Kyiv yield the Donbas in exchange for ending the war?
DailyClout.io will continue to follow this story.
Sources and further reading:
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/outline-emerges-putins-offer-end-his-war-ukraine-2025-08-17
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/18/trump-ukraine-russia-europe
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/16/putin-trump-russia-summit-ukraine-war
https://www.ft.com/content/28666827-3cf3-4c73-be37-bc4fc88999f9
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Author: Sean Probber
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