Explosive leak exposes Washington's secret push: Force Ukraine to hand over Donetsk and Lugansk to Russia – or no peace! Is the US siding with Putin in the biggest geopolitical betrayal of the decade?
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In a jaw-dropping development that's sending shockwaves through global capitals, US negotiators are reportedly insisting that Ukraine cede control of the eastern Donbas region – including Donetsk and Lugansk – as a non-negotiable condition for any peace talks with Russia. This bombshell comes straight from sources close to the negotiations, revealing a stunning alignment with Vladimir Putin's longstanding territorial demands.
An official briefed on the talks told AFP: Russian President Vladimir “Putin wants territory,” adding that the United States was demanding Ukraine “withdraw” from the regions — while Kyiv remains firmly opposed. “It’s a bit striking that the Americans are taking the Russians’ position on this issue,” the source noted. (Original AFP report context)
The Donbas Dilemma: Why This Demand Could End – or Explode – the War
The Donbas, a resource-rich industrial heartland, has been the epicenter of conflict since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and support for separatists. Putin has relentlessly pushed for full control, viewing it as "Russian" territory. Now, with US pressure mounting, Ukraine faces an unthinkable choice: surrender land its soldiers have bled to defend, or risk prolonged devastation.
Recent reports highlight ongoing tensions in negotiations. For instance, proposals have floated ideas like a "free economic zone" in Ukrainian-held parts of Donbas, where Kyiv would withdraw forces but Russia wouldn't advance – a compromise Zelenskyy has called unfair without reciprocal concessions. (The New York Times, Dec 11, 2025; Al Jazeera, Dec 11, 2025)
Historical Echoes: Past Peace Attempts and Territorial Sticking Points
This isn't the first time territory has derailed peace. In earlier Istanbul talks (2022), Russia demanded recognition of Donbas "independence" and Crimea annexation – demands rejected as capitulation. Fast-forward to 2025, and similar issues persist, with Putin vowing to seize Donbas "by force" if needed. (Wikipedia overview of negotiations; Reuters on Putin's statements)
Latest Bombshell Update: Zelenskyy Drops NATO Bid in Berlin Talks!
As negotiations intensify, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to abandon NATO aspirations in exchange for dignified peace – a major concession amid five-hour Berlin meetings with US envoys on December 14, 2025. Yet territorial demands remain the unbreakable barrier. (Reuters, Dec 14, 2025)
Will Ukraine bend to US-Russia pressure, or stand firm and fight on? The world watches in horror as this potential sell-out unfolds. Stay tuned – the fate of Europe hangs in the balance!