→ Putin signals compromise on Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in exchange for all Donetsk ∞

Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that Ukraine hand over full control of Donetsk Oblast to Russia as a condition for ending the war during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump this week, The Washington Post reported on Oct. 18, citing two senior U.S. officials.

Some sources are calling this claim dubious at best, since it would mean giving up Russia’s land bridge to Crimea.