Russia's Vladimir Putin has offered a "deal" to end the invasion of Ukraine — but is making a demand that already has European leaders balking, reported the Wall Street Journal on Friday.
Specifically, according to the report, Putin is "demanding major territorial concessions by Kyiv — and a push for global recognition of its claims — in exchange for a halt to the fighting, according to European and Ukrainian officials." Specifically, he wants the annexation of the Donbas region of Ukraine into Russia to be recognized internationally.
The invasion of the Donbas region, which comprises the eastern regions of Ukraine, kicked off the war, with Russia funding and propping up rebels in the region as a pretext to manufacture an "independence" movement that its armies could march into the country to protect.
Russia has repeatedly made similar demands in previous efforts to end the war, which Ukraine has flatly rejected. European leaders, too, don't believe this is a serious plan, WSJ reported.
"European officials expressed serious reservations about the proposal, which would require Ukraine hand over Eastern Ukraine ... without Russia committing to much other than to stop fighting," the report said.
Trump has spent months trying to get Putin to agree to peace talks, with White House insiders detailing "lengthy monologues" as the two talk over the phone about the issue.
The president had previously bragged he could end the war within 24 hours of taking office, and for years has expressed admiration and a desire for friendship with Putin, but more recently has grown frustrated as he realizes Russia has no interest in a peaceful resolution that doesn't end in their total victory.