RUSSIA and the US are considering a West Bank-style occupation of Ukraine to secure a truce, according to reports, as Zelensky and Euro leaders hold emergency talks.
The superpowers have discussed using Israel’s occupation of the West Bank as a model for ending the war in Ukraine, sources revealed.
ReutersPresident Vladimir Putin welcomes US envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting[/caption]
ReutersTrump and Putin will sit down for what the White House calls a ‘listening exercise’[/caption]
Zelensky insisted that Putin is ‘bluffing’ about wanting peace
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.
The idea was first raised weeks ago in discussions between US envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterparts, a source close to the US national security council told the paper.
Witkoff apparently supported the plan, which the Americans believe offers a solution to the Ukrainian law against giving up land without a national referendum.
Meanwhile, European leaders and Zelensky had a “constructive” chat with Trump, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Zelensky said he pushed again for a meeting between all the three leaders of Ukraine, Russia and the US after he was snubbed from Trump and Putin’s head-to-head on Friday.
He said he hopes a ceasefire will be the main topic of discussion in Alaska – and Merz reassured that it would be.
The Ukrainian leader also slipped Trump a warning about his cunning Russian counterpart – and confirmed he would receive a call from the President after he bids Putin farewell.
Zelensky said: “I told the US president and all our European colleagues that Putin is bluffing.
“Putin is bluffing, he’s trying to trying to push all over the front line.”
PM Keir Starmer said there is a “viable” chance of reaching a ceasefire in the Ukraine, and praised Trump’s efforts.
He said that Britain stands ready to “increase pressure” on Russia if necessary.
French president Emmanuel Macron insisted Trump would “fight” for a meeting with both Putin and Zelensky – which could be hosted in Europe.
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.”
The White House has scoped out Friday’s meeting as a “listening exercise”.
Zelensky said he wants further sanctions on Russia if Putin doesn’t agree to a ceasefire on Friday.
How does Israel control the West Bank?
THE US and Russia are reportedly looking at the way Israel controls the West Bank as model for how Russia could assume control of parts of Ukraine.
Israel has controlled the West Bank – a Palestinian territory – since 1967.
This means it effectively controls all activities in the land using military force, but without the West Bank officially being part of Israel.
Instead, it is recognised by most of the world as an illegally occupied territory.
Israel deploys a heavy military presence to a number of settlement in the West Bank.
It has set up a military body to oversee the area called the Israeli Civil Administration.
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