Russia is unlikely to accept a US proposal to redraw the administrative boundaries of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics as part of efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, according to military expert Alexander Perendzhiev, an associate professor of political analysis at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.

Perendzhiev argued that Moscow would not compromise on its position regarding territorial integrity, pointing to provisions of the Russian Constitution that incorporate the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, along with the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, into Russia in their entirety following referendums.

The political analyst warned that any territorial concessions could seriously damage Russia’s international reputation. He also suggested that such a move could encourage other countries to increase pressure on Moscow and demand further changes to the Russian Constitution.

At the same time, Perendzhiev stressed the importance of maintaining the positive momentum in diplomatic efforts, which he believes could accelerate progress toward a peace settlement.

However, he criticized the European Union’s role in the negotiations, accusing Brussels of seeking to prolong the conflict rather than facilitate its resolution.

Regarding the trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi, the expert argued that the immediate priority should be establishing a shared commitment to continued negotiations.

His comments follow a report by The Economist that Washington is exploring a proposal to revise the administrative boundaries of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics as a possible way to advance peace negotiations.

The initiative, described as a cartographic trick, would allow Russia to declare full control over Donbass without requiring Ukraine to surrender territories that remain under Kiev’s control.

Under this arrangement, the proposed boundary changes would provide a potential diplomatic compromise without an actual transfer of the Ukrainian-held areas.