Post by : Saif Rahman

In a recent gathering with influential business leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated a willingness to consider a controlled exchange of territory as part of a future peace settlement with Ukraine. However, he stressed that complete control over the Donbas region is non-negotiable. This insight was disclosed by the Russian daily Kommersant following a late-night meeting at the Kremlin on December 24.

Putin shared his thoughts on the resolution of the Ukraine conflict, expressing openness to certain compromises, yet underscoring that Donbas remains off the table. This area, which comprises the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, is pivotal both strategically and symbolically for Russia.

According to Kremlin correspondent Andrei Kolesnikov from Kommersant, Putin conveyed to the business community that some concessions might be on the table, akin to prior discussions with the United States. Nevertheless, he firmly stated that any territorial negotiations would exclude Donbas. While aspects outside of Donbas could be addressed through limited exchanges, Russia’s claim to the entirety of the region remains steadfast.

This position stands in stark contrast to that of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who has repeatedly asserted that Ukraine will not concede internationally recognized land. In statements from his office, Zelenskiy indicated progress towards a potential 20-point peace plan during talks in Miami, but emphasized that no consensus exists regarding Russia’s demands for the surrender of parts of Donbas still under Ukrainian control.

Zelenskiy also noted ongoing uncertainty about the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control. As Europe’s largest nuclear facility, its safety has become a significant concern amid the ongoing conflict.

The role of the United States is increasingly crucial, with President Donald Trump vowing to mitigate the conflict, described as Europe’s deadliest since World War II. His administration has engaged in discreet dialogues, involving envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, with Russia, Ukraine, and European allies. While specifics on U.S. proposals remain undisclosed, Russian officials have alluded to “understandings” from a summit between Putin and Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, last August.

Currently, Russia holds extensive territorial claims in Ukraine. According to Russian assessments, Moscow controls all of Crimea, annexed in 2014, about 90% of Donbas, and significant portions of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, alongside smaller areas in other regions like Kharkiv and Mykolaiv. Putin has asserted that any sustainable peace agreement must adhere to his stipulated terms, which include Ukraine's withdrawal from regions claimed by Russia and renunciation of its NATO aspirations.

During discussions with business leaders, Putin further examined the situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility. He mentioned that joint management with the U.S. was a topic of interest and highlighted American interest in crypto mining initiatives near the plant, suggesting the electricity generated there could partly supply Ukraine. These remarks indicate that Russia perceives the nuclear site not merely as a strategic asset but also as a leverage point in negotiations.

Since initiating its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which it termed a “special military operation,” the conflict has resulted in extensive destruction and the displacement of millions, fundamentally shifting global dynamics. Although discussions of territorial exchanges could indicate a drift towards diplomatic engagement, significant disputes over land and sovereignty cast doubts on the feasibility of any peace agreement.

Putin’s comments, reported by Kommersant, illustrate the challenges to finding common ground. By insisting on full dominance over Donbas while proposing flexibility in other regions, Russia seems to be gauging whether Ukraine and its supporters are prepared to endure territorial sacrifices for the sake of peace. Accepting such terms would be politically and emotionally wrenching for Ukraine, while refusing them risks enduring the ongoing conflict. As diplomatic endeavors unfold, the coming period may clarify if these expressions lead to tangible advancements or simply reiterate the complexities of a protracted struggle.

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