Surrendering a strategically significant part of Donetsk could leave Ukraine vulnerable, said the Institute for the Study of War.

The agreement would see Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region, while withdrawing its military presence in the parts of Luhansk and Donetsk it still holds.

Russia's Vladimir Putin has offered a "deal" to end the invasion of Ukraine — but is making a demand that already has European leaders balking, reported the Wall Street Journal on Friday. Specifically,

Donald Trump has said he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next Friday to discuss the war in Ukraine. Putin is expected to use the summit to set out Russia's demands for a ceasefire deal. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Mr Trump admitted any peace deal may involve “some swapping of territories”.

Trump said the two leaders will meet next Friday. It remains unclear whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be involved with the high-stakes summit.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet on August 15 in Alaska, in a bid to reach a peace agreement that may involve major territorial concessions from Ukraine.