08-19-2025, 01:10 PM
You are correct that the territory Russia presently holds is unlikely to be liberated by Ukraine any time soon. But, there is a big difference between acknowledging Russian de facto control over portions of Ukrainian de jure territory, something I don't think many Ukrainians or their supporters would have much issue with, and strongarming Ukraine to cede cities and fortified territory that Ukraine still occupies and Ukrainian citizens still live in.
The territory that Ukraine still holds in Donetsk has a mix of high ground, cities, and Ukraine's densest fortifications. If a "land swap" just gives that to them, the pathway is open for Russia to drive on the major city of Dnipro across favorable terrain, and likely further from there. This is what Putin is asking for and Trump seems open to. The visit from all major European leaders seems to have at least forestalled this, but for how long is uncertain.
The territory that Ukraine still holds in Donetsk has a mix of high ground, cities, and Ukraine's densest fortifications. If a "land swap" just gives that to them, the pathway is open for Russia to drive on the major city of Dnipro across favorable terrain, and likely further from there. This is what Putin is asking for and Trump seems open to. The visit from all major European leaders seems to have at least forestalled this, but for how long is uncertain.