RUSSIA and the US are considering a West Bank-style occupation of Ukraine to secure a truce, according to reports.
The superpowers have discussed using Israel’s occupation of the West Bank as a model for ending the war in Ukraine, sources said.
This would give Russia military and economic control of the occupied parts of Ukraine, which would run its own governing body, reports The Times.
Ukraine’s official borders wouldn’t budge, but the Kremlin would pull the strings in the regions it has swiped.
A few weeks ago, the concept emerged during talks involving US envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterparts, as reported by a source knowledgeable about the US national security council.
Witkoff seemed to endorse the proposal, which US officials think could address the Ukrainian prohibition against relinquishing land without a public referendum.
Meanwhile, European leaders and Zelensky had a “constructive” chat with Trump, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Following his exclusion from direct discussions between Trump and Putin on Friday, Zelensky emphasized the necessity for a meeting that includes the leadership of Ukraine, Russia, and the US.
He said hopes a ceasefire will be the main topic of discussion in Alaska – and Merz reassured that Trump will make that his “priority”.
French president Emmanuel Macron said Trump would “fight” for a meeting with both Putin and Zelensky – which could be hosted in Europe.
Zelensky confirmed that Trump will call him after bidding farewell to Putin on Friday.
He raged: “Putin is bluffing, he’s trying to trying to push all over the front line.”
And he addressed the idea that Russia could occupy the whole of Ukraine, declaring: “This is not true.”
Ursula von der Leyden, European Commission President, agreed that that the European leaders a “very good” call with Trump.
She said: “Today Europe, the US and NATO have strengthened the common ground for Ukraine.
“We will remain in close coordination. Nobody wants peace more than us, a just and lasting peace.”
