Putin’s Demand for Full Control of 4 Ukrainian Regions Derails U.S. Ceasefire Efforts

Efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine have hit a major roadblock, as Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to back down from demands that Russia be granted control over four Ukrainian regions – despite not fully occupying them.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to Bloomberg.

According to sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations, Putin insists that Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – territories partially held by Russian forces – must be formally recognized as part of Russia in any peace deal. This uncompromising stance has brought talks to a standstill, undermining Trump’s push for a swift resolution to the war.

The talks, led by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, aimed to establish a ceasefire based on current frontlines. However, Putin rejected the proposal, reiterating that the four regions are "forever" part of Russia – a position enshrined in Russia’s constitution following widely condemned referendums in 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement posted Tuesday, reaffirmed that Ukraine would only consider negotiations if Russia commits to a full and unconditional ceasefire. “Russia must take clear steps to end the war,” Zelenskyy wrote, emphasizing that Kyiv continues working with the U.S. on expanding sanctions pressure.

Trump, initially optimistic following Witkoff’s fourth meeting with Putin since February, has reportedly grown disillusioned. Senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now say a decision must be made soon on whether to continue the diplomatic track or pivot to more aggressive pressure.

Among the U.S. proposals being floated are recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea, long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, and the withdrawal of Russian forces from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Moscow has so far rejected several of these conditions, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stating that ceding control of the nuclear site is “not conceivable.”

As the frontlines remain active and diplomacy falters, the promise of peace within Trump’s first 100 days appears increasingly out of reach. Western officials believe the coming weeks will determine whether the U.S. continues to invest in negotiations or shifts toward a more forceful containment strategy.