Putin Signals Openness to Ukraine Territory Swap as Donbas Demand Hardens

Russian President Vladimir Putin told top Russian businessmen that he may accept a limited Ukraine territory swap but will not give up any part of Donbas. The meeting took place late on December 24 inside the Kremlin. The report came from the Russian newspaper Kommersant, which described the discussion in detail. The keyword here is Putin Ukraine territory deal, which shapes the core of the story.

The information matters because it gives a rare window into Russia’s current position. It also comes as U.S. and Ukrainian officials work on a 20‑point plan for possible talks. According to Reuters, Ukraine still rejects any demand to give up the last areas it holds in Donbas.

Putin Ukraine Territory Deal and the Push for Donbas Control

Putin’s message was simple. Donbas must be fully under Russian control. Kommersant reported that Putin repeated a view he shared earlier in Anchorage, saying “Donbas is ours.” The paper said he might allow a partial swap of land outside Donbas.

The meeting with business leaders came as Ukraine and the United States tried to finalize key terms in Miami. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said both sides made progress. But he also said there was no agreement on giving Russia the remaining parts of Donbas. There was also no deal on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

The United States continues to push for a settlement. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeated his goal of ending the war. His team, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has been in talks with officials from Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. Russian officials often mention private “understandings” said to be discussed in Anchorage.

Russia now holds all of Crimea and most of Donbas. It also holds large parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. These figures come from Russian estimates shared in state media. Putin said on December 19 that a peace plan must include Ukraine leaving Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson and dropping its NATO bid.

Impact of the Proposed Deal and Future Talks

Putin also raised the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in the December 24 meeting. Kommersant said he spoke about possible joint U.S.-Russian oversight. He also said the U.S. showed interest in crypto mining near the site. He added that the plant could still supply some power to Ukraine.

The broader impact of the Putin Ukraine territory deal is still unclear. Ukraine’s leaders say they will not hand over major regions. The United States says talks will continue. The conflict remains the deadliest in Europe since World War Two. Russia began its full invasion in February 2022.

The Putin Ukraine territory deal will shape the next steps in talks. The final outcome will depend on Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington. Many points remain unresolved, and tension is still high.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What is the Putin Ukraine territory deal?

It is a possible plan that includes a land swap. Putin says he wants full control of Donbas. He may discuss limited trade-offs outside Donbas.

Q2: Why is Donbas important?

Russia already holds most of Donbas. Putin says the region must be fully under Russian authority. Ukraine still controls some parts and refuses to give them up.

Q3: What role do the U.S. talks play?

The U.S. is working on a 20‑point plan with Ukraine. The goal is to find common ground with Russia. Some issues remain unresolved.

Q4: What about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant?

The plant is under Russian control. Kommersant says joint oversight is being discussed. The plant may also supply power to Ukraine in the future.

Q5: Has any final peace deal been reached?

No final deal exists. Talks continue among all parties. Major gaps remain on land and security.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP News, BBC News, Kommersant.