Cyprus Times

Ukraine War: US Offers $800 Billion in Security Guarantees for Donbas Concessions

Published January 23, 2026, 19:08
Ukraine War: US Offers $800 Billion in Security Guarantees for Donbas Concessions

International negotiations for peace in Ukraine are at a critical juncture, focusing on the potential concession of territory in the Donbas region by Ukraine. According to Corriere della sera, the United States is proposing to Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cede 20% of the Donetsk region still controlled by Ukraine, in exchange for $800 billion in funding for the country's reconstruction and strong security guarantees from the West. This proposal places Zelenskyy in a difficult dilemma, as the concession of territory could lead to Ukraine losing access to the Black Sea and becoming more dependent on Russia. Ukrainian public opinion is expected to react strongly to such a concession, and there are concerns that the loss of fortifications in the Donbas would leave the front exposed to new Russian attacks. Negotiations have moved to Abu Dhabi, where delegations from the US, Russia, and Ukraine will meet for the first time at a joint table. There are at least four documents under negotiation, a general framework agreement and three annexes concerning specific concessions and benefits. The Croatian side, through Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, emphasizes the importance of not ceding the territory de iure, so that there is a possibility of review in the future, when the political situation in Russia changes. The US proposal is seen as an attempt to overcome Zelenskyy's concerns and persuade him to accept a peace agreement that could be painful for Ukraine, but would ensure it financial aid and security. However, the final outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain and depends on the ability of the parties involved to find a mutually acceptable solution.