The specter of redrawn borders loomed larger this week, as discussions unfolded hinting at potential territorial concessions from Ukraine. Former President Trump had previously suggested the possibility, forecasting eventual Russian control over the Donbass region – a prediction now echoing in current diplomatic movements.
A significant meeting took place Tuesday within the Kremlin walls. Real estate developer Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner, a former senior advisor, engaged in conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While disagreements undoubtedly existed, a Russian aide described the exchange as surprisingly “very useful and constructive.”
The tone from Moscow hardened just days later, during Putin’s visit to India. He declared Russia’s intention to forcibly expel Ukrainian forces from the Donbass should they resist a withdrawal. This statement underscored a firm position on the future of the region.
Putin’s vision for a lasting peace extends beyond military objectives. He insists Ukraine must formally acknowledge Russia’s newly claimed borders and abandon any aspirations of joining NATO. Instead, he proposes a path of permanent neutrality for Ukraine, effectively reshaping its geopolitical alignment.
These developments paint a complex picture of ongoing negotiations and escalating demands. The potential for territorial adjustments, coupled with stringent security requirements, presents a formidable challenge to achieving a resolution in the conflict. The future of the Donbass, and Ukraine’s place in the international order, hangs in the balance.
