Ukraine Giving Up Donbas: Reasons and Analysis
- Russia charges the conditions to Ukraine, but there are no militarily reasons to abandon the areas.
- Why are US and Russian presidents intend to meet at a rapid pace in Alaska?
- Along the spring Donald Trump used its authority to bring about a ceasefire to Ukraine.
Russia charges the conditions to Ukraine, but there are no militarily reasons to abandon the areas.
Antti Kuronenforeign journalist
Why are US and Russian presidents intend to meet at a rapid pace in Alaska?
I can’t answer that.
Along the spring Donald Trump used its authority to bring about a ceasefire to Ukraine. Time and time again Vladimir Putin refused spectacularly.
Instead of sanctions, Trump decided to reward Putin. A spectacular meeting further captures the authority of the “tsar” in the eyes of the Russians.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing is, however, the so -called regional donations.
Perhaps the most influential diplomat in the world, Trump’s real estate investor Steve Witkoffafter meeting Putin that by handing over Donbas Russia could agree to something, maybe even a ceasefire.
Why would Ukraine give up Donbas?
It remained unclear.
Russia has been trying to get Donbas since 2014
Since 2014, Russia has been aiming for Donbas. Donbas is called Donetsk and Luhansk areas in eastern Ukraine.
Before the major offensive in 2022, Russia controlled the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk, but most of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions were in Ukraine.
Since the major attack, the toughest battles have been in Donbas. Russia has lost incredible quantities of troops and equipment in the conquest of Donbas.
Progress has taken place, but compared to the investment, progress has been quite modest for the last couple of years.
Some of the Donetsk area is still in the possession of Ukraine.
For example, Pokrovsky’s strategically important city Russia has been trying to conquer a year.
Russia is likely to sooner or later conquer Pokrovsky, but after that it is a long way to fold before the Russians reach Ukraine’s main cities in the Donetsk region, Kramatorsk and Slovjansk.
In the Eastern Ukraine War 2014-2022 Kramatorsk was the headquarters of the Ukrainian armed forces. Therefore Kramatorsk and Slovjansk parallel cities are fortified since 2014.
Russia is not yet close to them, not to mention invading them.
By giving up, Ukraine would give Russia a huge advantage to go deeper into Ukraine’s upcoming attacks.
A couple of days ago Russians managed to proceed North of Pokrovsky. It is early to say how a worrying situation develops, but a breakthrough or a front This is not the case.
Unilateral regional revenue is made in peace talks as the front is collapsing, the future of the country is at stake. This is not the case. All you have to do is look at the progress of the Russian troops over the past year.
The negotiating situation could be different if it was a real peace negotiation. If Russia had shown any signs that it was ready to quit the war, it would be possible to discuss the fringe or regional changes.
The most important prerequisite for true peace, security guarantees for Ukraine, is still far away.
Without warranties that Russia cannot be attacked again, possible agreements are merely respite breaks, as Russia has not given up its goals for the entire Ukraine.
Statements change – actions are missing
What Friday is completely open. Trump’s statements have changed rapidly in recent days.
For European leaders and President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump message on Wednesday that no agreements are made without Ukraine. Trump had also nodded in the safe guarantee and promised pressure if the meeting with Putin did not bring progress.
Russia’s pressure has been promised in the past, but the actions have been missing.
You can see if this time is different.