President Putin’s focus on securing control over the Donetsk region in negotiations with Ukraine highlights Russia’s enduring territorial ambitions since 2014. Recent discussions, including those involving President Trump, have indicated a potential exchange where Russia could concede parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions for full control of Donetsk. However, this proposal has been met with skepticism from Ukrainian and European officials, who view the terms as one-sided and unacceptable. As both sides brace for a challenging winter, the front lines remain static, with Russia maintaining control over approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory, underscoring the critical importance of securing robust international support for Ukraine to deter future aggression.