Bloomberg: US and Russia may be preparing deal to freeze war in Ukraine
Photo: US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
US and Russian officials may be preparing a deal to freeze Russia’s war against Ukraine, allowing Moscow to retain control over the occupied territories, Bloomberg reports.
Unnamed sources told the outlet that the potential deal is being developed as part of preparations for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, which could take place as early as next week. The US is seeking support from Ukraine and European allies for the initiative.
Bloomberg notes that the Kremlin leader demands Ukraine hand over control of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, as well as Crimea. This would require the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from both eastern regions.
The outlet highlights that such an outcome would mark a major victory for Putin, who seeks to negotiate peace exclusively with the US, excluding Ukraine.
According to Bloomberg’s sources, the deal would require Russia to halt combat operations in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. However, the conditions and details remain under discussion and could change.
It is also unclear whether Moscow is ready "to give up any land that it currently occupies", including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Sources emphasize that the primary goal of the agreement is to freeze the conflict and lay the groundwork for a ceasefire and eventual peace talks.
At the same time, sources noted that it is still unknown whether Putin would agree to participate in a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and Trump, even if a deal between the US and Russia is reached.
Some officials, including those from the US, remain skeptical of Putin’s intentions to end hostilities or agree to a peace deal that does not align with his original demands on Ukraine.
Rumors about Witkoff's proposal to Putin
Earlier, the Polish outlet Onet reported that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff presented a plan to Russian leader Vladimir Putin aimed at securing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
This plan included recognizing Russian control over Ukrainian territories, lifting sanctions on Russia, and more.
However, Ukrainian presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn later essentially denied these claims, emphasizing that Witkoff said nothing of the sort.
