Territory of Ukraine under Russia's control in the context of negotiations

• During the negotiations, Trump and Putin discuss territorial concessions.
• Russia controls about 20% of the territory of Ukraine, including Donbas.
• President Zelenskyy is considering possible concessions in the territory.

During the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, which will take place in Alyaska in Pyatnitsa, both delegations will have different views on the geographical boundaries of Ukraine. For Washington, the territory of Ukraine amounts to nearly 600,000 square kilometers, while Moscow considers it to be 20% less, as it claims part of Eastern Ukraine as its own territory.

Trump introduced some nuances, referring to the meeting as a "deal in Russia," wanting the USA to buy Alaska from Russia in 1867. He also suggested "exchanging territories" between Russia and Ukraine. However, this is a hypothetical idea, as Ukraine does not control any Russian territory for exchange.

Russia has focused attention on controlling Eastern Ukraine in recent years. After the Euromaidan revolution in 2014, Russian troops occupied Crimea, and later - two eastern regions of Ukraine, Donetsk and Luhansk. These regions make up Donbas, significant from a geopolitical perspective, due to their coal and metal deposits.

Russia also controls large parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, although it does not have complete control over them. In the fall of 2022, Russia held sham referendums in these regions to confirm its intention to annex them to Russia. However, according to the latest report from the European Council, civilians are facing violence in these areas.

In the latest negotiations between the USA and Russia, there are discussions about territorial concessions, including Russia's control over Donetsk and Luhansk, in exchange for the return of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. However, analysts warn that this may lead to new conflicts.

The Ukrainian government, under the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, insists that no territorial concessions can be accepted. The Constitution of Ukraine prohibits any renunciation of territories, and any changes can only be approved in a nationwide referendum.

The Russian and Ukrainian constitutions contradict each other regarding the eastern regions of Ukraine, but international law clearly recognizes the illegality of Russia's invasion and the sham referendums.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that in the future, it may be recognized that Russia has factual control over parts of Ukraine, but this does not imply legal recognition.

Tags: Ukraine/USA/Russia/Politics