By Matt Underwood Zelenskyy confirms Russia still demands all of Donbas in their supposed “peace” plan, and that’s the core issue here. It’s a sticking point, a fundamental disagreement that highlights the vast chasm between the two sides. Zelenskyy is playing a difficult hand, making concessions where he can, like potentially dropping NATO membership, yet standing firm where he must, such as on the issue of Ukrainian land. This makes a clear statement: he’s contributing to the peace process while protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The fact that Russia continues to demand the entirety of Donbas, even territory they haven’t fully conquered, reveals a stark reality: they want everything. This isn’t about compromise; it’s about control. Asking for the absurd just makes the unreasonable seem more acceptable. By normalizing an extreme demand, they might hope to make the acquisition of already invaded land appear more palatable. It’s like a classic strategic move, designed to scare Ukraine into giving in without a fight.
This demand for all of Donbas underscores a fundamental lack of respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. It directly clashes with the idea of a peaceful resolution, and highlights the unwillingness of Russia to negotiate in good faith. Any talk of peace feels premature as long as this remains their position. They seem to want it all.
The real question becomes, what do the people of Donbas want? That’s a complex question with no easy answer. Pre-2014, 2014-2022, and today—each group could hold profoundly different views. If people wish to live in Russia, they should move to Russia, not lay claim to the land they’re on.
The strategy here is clear: weaken Ukraine’s resolve through unrealistic demands. However, such a strategy ignores the strength and resilience Ukraine has shown. It’s about deterrence. Showing resolve, demonstrating the will to fight, establishes a powerful deterrent. Ukraine has been getting more weapons, standing firm and being supported by the international community.
The concept of a Russian “peace plan” feels disingenuous. The focus should be on holding the aggressor accountable and ensuring Ukraine’s right to its territory. The only real outcome would be the withdrawal of Russian forces, the restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty, and reparations for the damage caused. The aggressive strategy of Russia has led to ruin in many of the cities in Donbas.
This situation isn’t just about military might, it’s about economics and endurance. The ongoing sanctions, the depletion of Russian reserves, and the potential for increased economic damage on Russia paints a grim picture. Economic pressures could eventually force Russia to the negotiation table, but only if they need sanction relief. If they don’t get something that they can spin into “victory,” then they’ll have to pay.
Any outcome that involves Ukraine ceding land, particularly the entirety of Donbas, is a betrayal of the principle of territorial integrity. As long as this remains a core demand, any “peace” plan is a non-starter. Land is eternal, even if a military alliance isn’t.
And let’s be frank, it’s also about consequences. There must be accountability for the actions, a lesson that aggressors must learn to respect red lines. Ultimately, this isn’t a negotiation; it’s a test of wills. And Ukraine must stand firm.