Trump Proposes Donbas Division to End Ukraine War, Stirring Diplomatic Controversy

According to Rokna, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed dividing Ukraine’s Donbas region as a means to end the ongoing war, suggesting that most of the territory should remain under Russian control. His remarks followed a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters that Ukraine and Russia should “stop at the battle line” and “leave it the way it is right now,” adding that both sides could negotiate further arrangements later. The comments mark a significant shift from his earlier position in September, when he had expressed confidence that Ukraine could reclaim all its occupied lands.

According to sources familiar with the meeting, Trump pressed Zelenskyy to consider giving up parts of eastern Ukraine in exchange for peace. The Ukrainian delegation reportedly left the meeting frustrated, having failed to secure supplies of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, which Kyiv has sought for months to strengthen its defense capabilities.

The meeting came shortly after a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which, according to reports, Putin suggested a territorial exchange — ceding the Donetsk and Luhansk regions to Russia in return for a partial withdrawal from Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

Trump’s comments have drawn criticism from European diplomats and defense analysts, who warn that such a proposal would legitimize Russia’s territorial gains and undermine international law. However, some observers believe Trump is testing a new negotiation framework ahead of potential U.S.-Russia talks in Budapest.

President Zelenskyy, in response, reiterated that Ukraine would not surrender any territory to Moscow, stressing that “Ukraine will never grant terrorists any bounty for their crimes.” He urged Western allies to maintain unity and continue supporting Kyiv in its resistance against Russian aggression.

The proposal has reignited debate over Washington’s future role in mediating the war, as diplomatic tensions continue to rise across Europe and the United States.