United States President Donald Trump’s administration is exploring a controversial proposal to recognize Crimea as Russian territory in exchange for a ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, according to recent reports. The idea is under discussion at the Ukraine Summit in London, where European and Ukrainian officials are reviewing the potential terms of a broader peace agreement.

The Washington Post reported that Trump initially devised the proposal, which was introduced to Ukrainian representatives earlier this month during a summit in Paris. In return for formally recognizing Russia’s claim over Crimea and lifting US-imposed sanctions, Moscow would be expected to end military operations and retreat from contested Ukrainian regions.

Concurrently, the Financial Times revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to halting the war along the current front lines. During a meeting with US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Putin allegedly suggested that Russia could give up its claims to four partly occupied Ukrainian territories, provided Crimea is officially recognized as part of Russia.

While some see the plan as a realistic path toward de-escalation, others remain wary. European officials have reportedly expressed concern that recognizing Crimea could embolden Russia to press for additional territorial gains in the future. “There is a lot of pressure on Kiev right now to give up on things so Trump can claim victory,” one European official was quoted as saying.

Ukraine’s allies are also reportedly seeking to secure financial assistance and long-term guarantees for Kyiv should it be asked to concede territory. The geopolitical stakes remain high, as both sides weigh the consequences of formalizing a deal that would redefine Ukraine’s sovereignty and reshape regional power dynamics.

The proposed peace initiative marks a pivotal moment in President Trump’s approach to ending the war in Ukraine, signaling his administration’s desire to broker a resolution through direct negotiation and diplomatic trade-offs. However, the path forward remains fraught with uncertainty, as international leaders debate the cost and implications of such a move.