Exclusive: Leaked Ukraine Peace Deal Reveals Russia's Ambitious Territory Grab under Trump Plan

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A shocking peace plan brokered by US President Donald Trump could see Russia claim around 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory, leaked details reveal. Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss a potential agreement. But what exactly does the deal entail, and who stands to gain? According to the leaked US draft proposals, Ukraine would be required to withdraw from heavily fortified parts of the Donbas region, which would then be recognized as a neutral demilitarized buffer zone under Russian control. This would effectively hand over around 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory to Russia. The deal also includes provisions that would recognize Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as de facto Russian territories, including by the United States. Russia's gains in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson would also be recognized, albeit with some caveats. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out any formal recognition of Russian control over Ukrainian territory. Zelensky has urged Western allies not to 'reward' Russia for its aggression, and has refused to cede any land to the Russian military. The deal also includes a contentious clause regarding NATO membership, which would see Ukraine enshrine in its constitution a commitment not to join the alliance. This would effectively block Ukraine's bid for NATO membership, a key demand of Russian President Vladimir Putin. European powers have countered with their own proposal, which would see Ukraine's NATO membership dependent on consensus among NATO members. This would give the US a veto over Ukraine's entry into the alliance. As the war in Ukraine rages on, the international community remains divided over the proposed peace deal. Will the deal hold, or will it collapse under the weight of competing interests? Only time will tell.