# US proposed Ukraine redraw Donetsk and Luhansk borders so Russia could claim full control, The Economist reports

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/us-proposed-ukraine-redraw-donetsk-and-luhansk-borders-so-russia-could-claim-full-control-the-economist-reports/
- Published: 2026-11-10T12:18:12+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-10T13:40:58+00:00
- Original publisher: Meduza
- Original article: https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/11/10/us-proposed-ukraine-redraw-donetsk-and-luhansk-borders-so-russia-could-claim-full-control-the-economist-reports
- Topics: Americas, Europe, World

## Key points

- US negotiators reportedly proposed redrawing borders in Donetsk and Luhansk.
- The plan could let Russia claim both regions without further Ukrainian land cessions.
- Ukraine rejects giving up territory, while Russia seeks broader international recognition.

## Summary

US negotiators have reportedly suggested redrawing the borders of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions as part of a territorial settlement with Russia. The proposal could allow Russia to claim full control of both regions without Ukraine ceding territory it does not currently occupy, but it raises questions about how borders and sovereignty might be addressed in any deal.

The Economist’s sources described Russia as showing “unusual flexibility” after discussions of European security were proposed; the US fears Moscow could use those talks to prolong the fighting. Russia is seeking international recognition of its control over Crimea and the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, including areas it does not hold. Ukraine has rejected giving up its territory, while President Donald Trump said on 9 November that Ukraine would emerge from the war in a “little bit different shape”.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.