Ukraine Ready to Relinquish Russian-Held Territories

Reports indicate that Ukraine may agree to halt hostilities and relinquish territories already under Russian control as part of a Europe-backed peace plan.

According to the British newspaper The Telegraph, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged European leaders to reject any settlement proposed by Donald Trump that would require Ukraine to give up more land. However, he signaled that Kyiv might allow Russia to retain certain territories it has already seized.

This approach would effectively freeze the current front lines, granting Russia de facto control over occupied areas in Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea.

The apparent softening of Ukraine’s negotiating stance comes ahead of planned talks between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, The Telegraph reported.

A Western official, describing an intense weekend of diplomacy between Kyiv and its allies, noted: “The plan can only be tied to the current positions of the two armies.”

Western Concerns Over Trump–Putin Negotiations

Meanwhile, both Ukraine and European nations are increasingly concerned that Trump and Putin could negotiate an end to the long-running war.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Monday, “I have many concerns, but also great hopes,” adding that U.S. officials have pledged to consult with European leaders before any direct talks between Trump and Putin.

One of Europe’s main worries is a so-called peace plan reportedly approved by Moscow, which includes freezing the battle lines in southeastern Ukraine if Kyiv agrees to withdraw from the Russian-controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk.