Ukraine may agree to transfer part of its territory to Russia in exchange for accelerated European Union membership and concrete security guarantees. The United States is promoting this scenario as a basis for ending the full-scale war. Mediators are pursuing an option in which Kyiv receives Western protection while Moscow gains significant control over the Donetsk region.
The news outlet Die Welt reported this, citing EU and NATO officials. The American peace plan contains 20 specific points. According to the document, Ukraine should become an EU member by January 1, 2027. NATO diplomats consider such a scenario almost inevitable. However, Brussels notes that the process could drag on until 2028 or even 2030.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy needs a “real trump card” to gain public support for possible territorial concessions. Accelerated EU accession could be a vital advantage. Although surrendering the Donetsk region will not find easy support among the population, bloc membership would change the perception of the deal. At the same time, Donald Trump has already urged Zelenskyy to act faster. He aims to reach a peace settlement by July 4 — the 250th anniversary of US independence. This would allow him to act as a peacemaker before the Congressional elections in the fall.
Position of European leaders and obstacles
Currently, the leaders of Poland and Germany are skeptical about rapid integration. Chancellor Friedrich Merz ruled out Ukraine’s joining by early 2027 due to procedural requirements. Polish President Karol Nawrocki also called such a prospect hardly achievable. The publication notes that Kyiv remains “light years” away from full accession. The main problems remain corruption and the rule of law.
Europeans doubt whether they can accept this Trump formula. Any territorial loss in exchange for membership would contradict the orderly process of expanding the bloc. However, Brussels is already considering unique integration formats. These involve phased involvement of Ukraine in the rights of EU members and the gradual opening of markets before final accession. Currently, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing the ground for new negotiations with the Russian Federation.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that the EU is developing a plan for the phased integration of Ukraine into the internal market.
