Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly told President Donald Trump that an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine would depend on Kyiv’s agreement to cede full control of Donetsk to Moscow, according to a report published.
Citing multiple U.S. and European officials familiar with the private exchange, said the conversation took place earlier this month during a phone call intended to explore options for a negotiated cease-fire. According to the report, Putin reiterated that Russia’s primary goal remains “security guarantees” for territories it has claimed since 2022, and that any peace framework must recognize Moscow’s sovereignty over the Donetsk region.
Sources told The Post that President Trump expressed openness to continuing back-channel communications but did not endorse any territorial concessions. The White House declined to comment on the substance of the conversation, describing it only as part of “ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in Eastern Europe.”
Ukrainian officials immediately rejected the reported demand, calling it “unacceptable” and “contrary to international law.” President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office reiterated that Ukraine’s territorial integrity remains non‑negotiable and that no discussions have taken place about surrendering Donetsk or any other region.
The Kremlin has not officially commented on the Post report, though Russian state media framed the alleged exchange as “evidence of pragmatic dialogue” between Moscow and Washington.
