**US and Russia Negotiating Deal to Cement Moscow’s Control Over Ukrainian Territories**
The United States and Russia are in talks to reach a deal that would freeze the conflict and cement Moscow’s control over Ukrainian territories, according to a report by Bloomberg on August 8. The news comes as US President Donald Trump is set to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as soon as next week.
**US and Russia Working on Territorial Agreement**
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, US and Russian officials are working on a territorial agreement that would lay the groundwork for a ceasefire and technical negotiations towards a final peace settlement. However, details of the proposed deal remain unclear.
**Putin’s Demands**
The report states that Putin is demanding that Ukraine cede all of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, as well as Crimea. Russia currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea and large parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts.
**Moscow Insists on Full Withdrawal**
The Kremlin is pushing for formal recognition of its control over occupied Ukrainian territories, with Putin insisting that Ukraine must withdraw from all four regions as part of a peace deal. However, it remains unclear whether Moscow is prepared to relinquish any of the territories it currently occupies, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
**Uncertainty Surrounds Deal**
The terms of the proposed deal are still in flux and could be changed. It remains unclear whether Ukraine will accept the terms or if Moscow is willing to compromise on its demands.
**Growing US Pressure**
Washington is reportedly trying to secure support from Ukraine and its European allies for the potential deal, which remains far from certain. The US has been applying growing pressure on Russia by targeting oil revenues, which make up a significant portion of Russia’s federal budget.
**Timeline Uncertainty**
The deadline for a ceasefire set by Trump on July 28 is now just days away, and it remains unclear whether Putin will meet the demand or face severe US sanctions.