Putin Maneuvers Trump: Donetsk for Peace in Ukraine

A recent Washington Post report has unveiled details of a crucial phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the conversation, Putin proposed ending the ongoing war in Ukraine in exchange for Kyiv relinquishing full control over the strategically significant Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine.

Sources familiar with the matter noted that Putin expressed willingness to concede parts of two other partially Russian-controlled regions—Zaporizhzhia and Kherson—in return for total ownership of Donetsk. This marks a notable retreat from Moscow’s firm demands voiced at the Anchorage summit in Alaska last August. Nonetheless, diplomats say Putin’s position remains steadfast, signaling a desire to impose unilateral conditions despite Trump’s cautious optimism for reaching a deal.

According to a senior U.S. official, the White House characterized Putin’s proposal as relative progress, whereas European diplomats believe the Ukrainian government is unlikely to accept such terms. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy, reportedly pressured the Ukrainian delegation regarding the Donetsk concession.

These developments coincide with preparations for a potential Trump–Putin summit in Budapest, aimed at resolving the Russia–Ukraine conflict. While Trump declared “major progress” following his call with Putin, the summit date remains unspecified. Meanwhile, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, where Zelensky asserted that Moscow intends to continue its invasion, while Trump suggested Putin is earnest about ending hostilities—even as he acknowledged the possibility that Russia is merely stalling for time.

In related remarks, Trump stated it was too early to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, emphasizing the need to reach a deal with Russia before bolstering Kyiv’s military capabilities, so as to maintain U.S. defense readiness. The Ukrainian delegation also presented Trump with maps of potential targets within Russia.

These negotiations unfold against persistent U.S. hesitation to extend additional military aid to Kyiv, further complicating the diplomatic landscape and leaving the future of peace in Ukraine subject to ongoing developments.