Putin Proposes Ukraine Ceasefire in Exchange for Eastern Territorial Concessions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has outlined conditions for a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, including the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing sources familiar with recent diplomatic discussions.

The proposal emerged during talks between Putin and Steve Witkoff, an envoy for former U.S. President Donald Trump, in Moscow earlier this week. While Russia already controls large portions of both regions, European officials are reportedly seeking clarification on whether the deal would also impact other contested areas like Kherson and Zaporizhia, where Russian forces hold partial territory.

“European officials came away with conflicting impressions about whether Putin intended to freeze the current front lines or eventually withdraw from those regions entirely,” the report stated. The BBC has not independently verified these claims.

Ukraine has repeatedly rejected any peace agreements involving territorial concessions made without its direct participation. A Ukrainian government spokesperson previously called such proposals “unacceptable,” emphasizing that negotiations must include Kyiv’s leadership.

The developments come amid heightened diplomatic activity ahead of a critical ceasefire deadline, though details remain unconfirmed as international stakeholders await further clarity from Moscow.