The US proposes to change the borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions to end the war: an expert explained whether this is possible

According to media reports, American negotiators are considering the possibility of changing the administrative borders of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as part of negotiations to end the war. Such a scenario would allegedly allow Russia to declare the complete capture of Donbas, while Ukraine would actually retain control over part of the territories. However, the implementation of such an initiative raises serious legal issues.

What is the proposed scenario?

According to information that has appeared in the media, the American side is allegedly proposing to change the administrative borders of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The idea involves the possible assignment of Ukrainian-controlled settlements in the Donetsk region to neighboring regions. Thus, Russia could formally declare the establishment of control over the entire Donbas, although the actual line of control over the territories would remain unchanged.

At the same time, there is no official confirmation of such a proposal from the American administration in the material provided.

Why is it difficult to change the borders of regions during the war?

Military expert Pavlo Narozhny believes that it is practically impossible to implement such a scenario during martial law.

According to him, the corresponding changes would require a review of the regulatory framework, decisions of the Verkhovna Rada and, depending on the content of the agreements, amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine.

The expert also drew attention to the need for a legal settlement of the issue of the state border with Russia, if the proposed scenario provides for territorial changes.

What the Constitution of Ukraine says

Article 133 of the Constitution of Ukraine defines the administrative-territorial structure of the state, which includes, in particular, Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

At the same time, Article 157 of the Fundamental Law directly prohibits amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine in conditions of martial law or a state of emergency.

It was this legal obstacle that Pavlo Narozhny drew attention to.

According to the expert, the implementation of the proposed scenario without the appropriate constitutional procedures does not have a proper legal basis.

In this case, it is worth distinguishing between changing the internal administrative borders of regions and changing the state border of Ukraine. These are different legal procedures, and not every change in regional borders automatically requires amendments to the Constitution.

What issues are discussed at peace talks

The topic of a possible revision of administrative borders emerged against the backdrop of talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia in Abu Dhabi.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that among the issues of the second day of the talks are the cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure, the exchange of prisoners of war, and the possibility of holding a meeting at the level of heads of state.

No official decisions have been announced yet regarding the change in the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Information about the relevant scenario remains at the level of media reports, and its legal implementation would require a separate legal analysis.