Russia has tried to take over the strategically important Donetsk for eleven years and now controls large parts of the county.
According to source information to The Washington Post, Putin wants all of Donetsk and in exchange give up control over Cherson and Zaporizjzja, which Russia partially occupies at present.
To give up Donetsk is, however, very difficult for Ukraine, if not to say impossible, according to experts. Large resources have been invested in defending the county, which is seen as a protective wall against a Russian intrusion into Ukraine with potential to reach the capital Kyiv.
To give up Donetsk would also have left the neighboring county Luhansk wedged between Russian areas and thus exposed to a pincer movement.
Russia has never had full control over Donetsk, the Ukrainian forces have pushed back against the attacking forces. Over the past year, the front line has moved marginally back and forth in the area.
US President Donald Trump has not commented on the information and during Friday's meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, no promises were made to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, which Ukraine is eagerly seeking.
A meeting between Trump and Putin is planned to be held within two weeks in Budapest.
