Russian President Vladimir Putin has again set the condition that Ukraine hand over the entire Donetsk region as a prerequisite for ending the war. At the same time, he has hinted that Moscow could “return parts“ of the occupied southern territory, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports, News.bg reports.
Analysts warn that such a concession would allow Russia to resume offensive operations under more favorable conditions and at a time of its choosing.
According to an October 18 publication by The Washington Post, two senior sources claim that during a conversation with former US President Donald Trump on October 16, Putin expressed readiness to “ceed parts“ of the occupied Kherson and Zaporizhia regions as part of unofficial proposal.
The exact parameters of this offer remain unclear. It is possible that the Russian leader had in mind Ukrainian territories that Moscow has illegally annexed but does not fully control. This is not the first time that Putin has set such conditions — back in August 2025, he demanded that Ukraine cede the remaining areas of Donetsk Oblast in exchange for a ceasefire.
Strategic importance of Donetsk
The Donetsk Oblast is of key importance for Ukraine's defense and industrial capacity. It is home to the so-called “fortress belt“ — the main line of defense, built since 2014, which today represents a logistics and production center of national importance.
If Russia were to seize the region, it would avoid prolonged and bloody battles, gaining new advantageous positions for future operations against eastern Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye or southern Kharkiv region.
Reaction of the Russian authorities
Russian officials downplayed the significance of Putin's proposal, probably to prepare public opinion for the continuation of the military campaign.
The first deputy chairman of the State Duma's Committee on International Relations, Alexei Chepa, told the state media outlet Lenta.ru on October 19 that Zaporizhia and Kherson regions were now “part of Russia“ after the fake referendums held in September 2022. According to him, any statements about territorial concessions were “delivered in a more moderate tone“.
These comments are intended to suggest to the Russian public that the Kremlin does not intend to give up its claims to Kherson and other Ukrainian territories, refuting allegations of serious compromises.
Lack of real change in the Kremlin's position
Despite speculation, the Kremlin has not prepared Russian society - especially the ultra-nationalist circles that are Putin's main support - for any retreat from its original goals.
According to ISW, more than three and a half years after the start of the war, there are no signs that Moscow is ready for meaningful compromises for a lasting peace.
Ukrainian diplomatic and military initiatives
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kiev had offered the United States joint energy projects - including the development of gas infrastructure and nuclear production - with the aim of strengthening Europe's energy independence from Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian armed forces struck Russian oil infrastructure in Samara and Orenburg region on the night of October 18-19. The General Staff reported an attack on the Novokuybyshevsk refinery, with satellite images showing large-scale fires and smoke plumes above the facility.
The Ukrainian military said the strike hit the primary oil processing plant, and damage assessments were still ongoing.
Unidentified drones over Munich
German authorities reported sightings of unidentified drone-like objects near Munich Airport on October 18. According to the Associated Press, the airport was temporarily closed twice due to reports of such devices.
None of the incidents have been officially confirmed, but they are part of a series of similar incidents across Europe.
ISW links these events to the Russian operation known as „Phase Zero“ – a stage in which Moscow is building informational and psychological preconditions for a possible future conflict between Russia and NATO.