Moscow demands full control of four Ukrainian regions

According to The Moscow Times, cited by Tengrinews.kz, the Russian delegation at the recent talks with the United States in Saudi Arabia demanded full control over four Ukrainian regions — Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

While Russia does not fully control any of these areas, the Kremlin insists on acquiring them within their administrative borders, as claimed under the Russian Constitution following their annexation.

Sources close to the Kremlin stated that President Putin cannot politically afford to lose these territories, and Russia is determined to secure them at any cost.

Moscow reportedly hopes Washington will pressure Kyiv into a full troop withdrawal from these regions. Otherwise, Russia may pursue extended negotiations while simultaneously using military force to gain control.

An alternative scenario mentioned by insiders includes capturing part of another Ukrainian region, such as Dnipropetrovsk or Sumy, and offering it in exchange for Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

As of February, Russia controlled approximately 98.6% of Luhansk, 62.6% of Donetsk, 71.9% of Zaporizhzhia, and 69.3% of Kherson. However, major cities like Zaporizhzhia and Kherson remain outside Russian control.

Israeli military expert David Sharp noted that Russia is unlikely to seize these areas quickly through military means, as even capturing small villages is a major effort. He added that crossing the Dnipro River and taking key cities would require extraordinary changes.

Two Russian diplomats told The Moscow Times that Trump’s administration might not care exactly which territories go to Russia, as long as Ukraine remains pro-Western and well-armed.

On March 24, Russian and U.S. delegations held over 12 hours of closed-door negotiations at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh. Discussions focused on Black Sea maritime security and a potential ceasefire on energy infrastructure. A joint statement is expected on March 25.