Trump Pushes Donbas Free Economic Zone; Ukraine Sees Land Concession

• A US proposal, attributed to Trump, suggests Ukraine withdraw troops from parts of Donbas to create a "free economic zone" to end the war.
• Under the plan, Russia would maintain its southern positions but withdraw from some northern Ukrainian regions not annexed.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy views the proposal as forcing Kyiv to cede territory and has rejected it, demanding credible security guarantees.
• Trump is reportedly "frustrated" with the lack of progress and has set a "Christmas deadline" for Ukraine to accept the plan.
• Analysts are skeptical that an economic zone can resolve the conflict without Russian buy-in, robust security, and respect for Ukrainian sovereignty.

Why It Matters: US pressure for a Donbas "free zone" could force Ukraine to cede land, shaping the war's end.