Putin hints at possible surrender of occupied Ukrainian territories: actions and consequences
Russian President Vladimir Putin this week made statements that raise concerns in the international community regarding potential concessions in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
During a phone call with U.S.
President Donald Trump, he hinted at a willingness to transfer certain occupied Ukrainian regions, such as Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, under Russian control.
The most sensitive issue remains Donetsk — a strategically vital eastern region that Russia has been attempting to seize for over eleven years without success.
Ukrainian forces hold this region as a crucial shield against further Russian advances toward Kyiv, and any concessions could drastically alter the strategic balance in the conflict.
The disclosed information indicates that Putin remains committed to his previous demands for full control over Donetsk, suggesting a continued escalation of tensions and prolonged fighting.
Trump, during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, openly expressed disagreement with Russia’s position, reaffirming support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In the coming weeks, the American leader plans to meet with Putin in Budapest to accelerate diplomatic negotiations.
According to reports, during the phone conversation, Putin stated he is willing to relinquish two other Ukrainian regions — Zaporizhzhia and Kherson — which Russia currently partially controls, in exchange for complete control over Donetsk.
This represents a somewhat lesser territorial claim compared to previous demands.
Some analysts view these statements as an indication of potential escalation and future concessions, while Ukrainian officials remain skeptical, considering such offers pointless and damaging to Ukraine’s sovereignty.