Ukraine and its European allies have put forward a counterproposal in response to Vladimir Putin's ceasefire plan, which involves the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the entire Donetsk region, writes The Wall Street Journal, citing European and Ukrainian officials familiar with the plan transmitted to Moscow through US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
According to this plan, if Ukraine cedes any territories to Russia, it should receive others in return. Some sources specify: if Ukraine leaves the Donetsk region, then in exchange, Russian troops must withdraw from Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
At the same time, any territorial concession by Kyiv must be backed by security guarantees, including Ukraine's potential NATO membership.
This proposal has been reviewed by US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, notes WSJ.