Ukraine's shock preparation to give up territory to Russia - but only on ONE condition

In recent days, tensions around the war in Ukraine have taken another turn. Reports suggest that Ukraine may be open to halting hostilities and allowing Russia to keep some of the territory it currently occupies, as part of a peace plan supported by European leaders.

According to sources, President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear to European allies that while Ukraine would reject any proposal from Donald Trump requiring them to give up additional land, there could be room for a deal that “freezes” the front line where it stands now. This would effectively leave Russia in control of areas it already holds in Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea.

This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again issued nuclear threats, launching another round of heavy attacks on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are expected to meet in Alaska later this week, raising concerns in Kyiv and across Europe that a settlement might be reached without Ukraine’s direct involvement.

A Western official familiar with the diplomatic exchanges over the weekend described the European-backed proposal as tied to the positions currently held by both sides’ forces. U.S. officials have reportedly agreed to keep European partners in the loop ahead of the Trump-Putin talks.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk summed up the mood, saying, “I have many fears and a lot of hope.” European diplomats remain wary, noting that any deal freezing the conflict could still leave Putin’s long-term goals unchanged namely, replacing Ukraine’s pro-Western government with one loyal to Moscow, blocking NATO membership, and weakening Ukraine’s military.

Think tank analysis from the Institute for the Study of War supports this concern, concluding that Russia is still seeking Ukraine’s “full capitulation.” Zelensky himself has said there is no sign Moscow is preparing to end the war. Instead, Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate Russian troop movements that suggest new offensive plans.

While Kyiv may consider limited territorial concessions, officials say any deal would have to include strong security guarantees from ongoing weapons support to a clear path toward NATO membership.