Europe could put two very different proposals before Russian President Vladimir Putin in an attempt to bring the conflict in Ukraine to an end. One would freeze the fighting along the existing front line, while the other would see Kiev cede the remaining part of Donbass to Russia in exchange for Ukraine joining NATO. British columnist Gideon Rachman outlined these possible scenarios in an article for the Financial Times.

Neither option offers a clear path to an agreement. According to Rachman, the conditions European officials might bring to the negotiating table could make Moscow even more reluctant to engage with them. He believes both proposals could become part of the discussion if European representatives eventually hold direct talks with Putin.

European politicians are also uncertain whether Russia would accept either arrangement. Despite those doubts, Rachman notes that they still consider opening a direct channel of communication with Moscow essential, even without any assurance that negotiations will produce a deal.

Putin has repeatedly stated that Russia wants to end the hostilities in Ukraine as quickly as possible through a negotiated settlement. The Russian president has maintained that Moscow remains willing to pursue a diplomatic solution, while accusing Kiev’s leadership of showing no comparable interest in reaching an agreement.

US President Donald Trump has also openly criticized Vladimir Zelensky’s position on peace negotiations. Trump has questioned whether the Ukrainian leader ever genuinely intended to reach a settlement with Russia. He has gone further by calling for a change in Ukraine’s leadership, arguing that the country needs someone capable of negotiating an agreement with Moscow.