A Fragile Peace: What Surrendering Donbas Would Mean for Ukraine

Amidst impending negotiations between Zelensky and Trump, Ukrainians face tough questions about territory and identity as they negotiate peace against a backdrop of ongoing violence in Donbas.

Life on the brink: The precarious situation in the Donbas region demands resilience from its residents, who live daily under the shadow of war. In recent talks before his Alaskan meeting with Vladimir Putin, former President Donald Trump mentioned "land swaps" seemingly aimed at quelling conflict. This ambiguous terminology left many Ukrainians puzzled about the implications and consequences of such an arrangement.

Reports indicate that Trump may encourage Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hand over eastern regions Donetsk and Luhansk in exchange for a temporary stabilization of the front lines. With Luhansk under almost total Russian control and Ukraine holding approximately 30% of Donetsk, surrendering these territories could signify a catastrophic loss, as emphasized by Ukrainian historian Yaroslav Hrytsak.

For many, the rich cultural and historical heritage of Donbas—once a crucible for Ukraine’s national identity—matters deeply. Amid existing turmoil, at least 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled, while over 300,000 now reside in areas still under Ukrainian administration.

For residents near the front lines, the daily reality is grim. Andriy Borylo, a military chaplain in Sloviansk, articulated a sense of abandonment alongside the danger posed by artillery strikes. “I blame Trump, not Zelensky,” he lamented, arguing that any move to concede territory would be tantamount to betrayal.

Despite Zelensky’s steadfast commitment to not relinquish land for peace, many Ukrainians remain skeptical of Russia’s intentions and the sincerity of any agreements forged under duress. Polls indicate that approximately 75% of the population opposes any formal cession of territory to Russia, yet the strain of prolonged conflict weighs heavily on the nation.

As casualties mount and fatigue sets in, the voices of those on the ground, like emergency rescue worker Yevhen Tkachov, resonate with urgency: “Life is more important than territory.” Amidst discussions about potential concessions, the path grows murky, as legal mechanisms for altering national boundaries remain ill-defined.

In light of his upcoming meeting with Trump, Zelensky’s strategy hangs in the balance. There are flickers of hope buoyed by Trump’s shifting stance on security assurances, which may play a pivotal role in any discussions surrounding territory. As sentiment in Ukraine indicates a willingness based on protective guarantees, there is an understanding that real commitments are non-negotiable.

With every potential agreement or proposal, it is crucial to remember the real lives impacted—individuals and families caught in the gears of war. Historian Vitalii Dribnytsia captures this human element: “Every corner of Ukraine, regardless of its significance, is a part of our identity.” Negotiations may reshape borders on paper, but the implications for Ukrainian identity resonate far deeper, suggesting a long road toward healing regardless of diplomatic resolutions.