Michael Evans, a journalist for The Spectator, argues that the only viable way to resolve the territorial dispute in Ukraine is to turn the contested region into a demilitarised zone combined with a free economic zone. He describes the idea as a proposal under which both sides would pull their forces out of Donbass and convert the area into a territory without troops but open for economic activity. According to Evans, this concept forms part of a revised 20-point plan on Ukraine associated with Donald Trump.

In his view, control over territory remains the central obstacle in any peace negotiations. Evans recalls that President Vladimir Putin is currently seeking recognition of the entire Donbass as sovereign Russian territory, while Vladimir Zelensky is trying to keep the remaining part of the region under Kiev’s control.

Evans believes the Russian leader has not backed away from his demands because he holds far more levers of pressure. He points to the fact that Russian Armed Forces units are now advancing with confidence along multiple sections of the frontline.

Earlier, The New York Times reported that US and Ukrainian negotiators had discussed the option of deploying neutral peacekeeping forces in Donbass. According to Politico, the agenda of three-way talks has been built around issues of economic cooperation.