In a controversial statement that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, former US President Donald Trump has proposed a radical solution to end the war in Ukraine: permanently surrendering the Donbas region to Russian control.
A Divisive Proposal for Peace
The unexpected suggestion came during recent remarks where Trump argued that Ukraine should "cut away" the eastern Donbas territory, which has been partially occupied by Russian forces since 2014 and seen some of the fiercest fighting in the current conflict.
"Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions to stop the bleeding," Trump appeared to suggest, framing the territorial concession as a pragmatic solution to end the bloodshed that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
International Reaction and Concerns
The proposal has immediately drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine supporters and foreign policy experts who argue it would reward Russian aggression and violate international law. Many see echoes of Trump's previous sympathetic stance toward Vladimir Putin during his presidency.
Western officials have expressed alarm that such suggestions could undermine Ukraine's negotiating position and encourage further Russian territorial ambitions. The Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, represents a significant portion of Ukrainian territory and industrial capacity.
Broader Implications
This latest intervention comes as Trump positions himself for a potential return to the White House, raising questions about how his foreign policy approach might differ from the current Biden administration's firm support for Ukrainian sovereignty.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stated they will not negotiate away their territory, making Trump's proposal particularly contentious. The suggestion also highlights the deepening political divisions over continued Western military and financial support for Ukraine.
As the war approaches its third year with no clear end in sight, Trump's comments have ignited fresh debate about potential peace frameworks, even as they threaten to create new fractures in the international coalition supporting Ukraine.
