Ukrainian officials have reportedly proposed naming a non-occupied area of the Donbas region after former U.S. President Donald Trump, referring to it as “Donnyland.” This suggestion emerged during negotiations related to the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to a report by The New York Times.
The proposal, which was partly made in jest, aimed to persuade the Trump administration to adopt a more assertive stance against Russia’s territorial claims. Similar appeals to Trump’s vanity have been observed from other countries, such as Poland’s earlier suggestion to name a U.S. military base “Fort Trump” in 2018.
Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that while the term “Donnyland” continues to be used in negotiations, it is unclear whether it has been formalized in any official documents. The idea also included the possibility of a Trump Peace Council playing a role in managing the territory, although neither Russia nor Ukraine has formally joined this initiative.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently expressed expectations for a visit from Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. However, sources suggest that Washington is awaiting substantial progress in negotiations before proceeding with such visits, which may also include a trip to Russia.
The concept of “Donnyland” has been viewed as one of several strategies Ukraine has employed to garner support from Trump. Following a notable meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the U.S. made it clear it could back a peace agreement that might require Ukraine to withdraw from the entire Donbas region.
Estimates from Ukrainian officials suggest that approximately 190,000 people currently reside in the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk under Ukrainian control, although some insiders believe the actual number may be significantly lower.
Ukraine has sought to encourage the Trump administration to apply pressure on Moscow to soften its stance. The proposed territory, referred to as “Donnyland,” could be established as a region not fully controlled by either side, potentially framing it as a diplomatic achievement for Trump. Reports indicate that one Ukrainian negotiator even designed a flag and anthem for “Donnyland” using ChatGPT, though it remains unclear if this was shared with the American side.
Another proposal for the future of Donbas referred to a post-war arrangement as a “Monaco model,” suggesting a semi-autonomous mini-state benefiting from offshore economic status. Notably, the term “Monaco model” has appeared in draft agreements, while “Donnyland” has not, according to one source.
Since late February, negotiations regarding the conflict have stalled, primarily due to territorial disputes, coinciding with a shift in U.S. focus towards Iran.
U.S. Relations and Sanctions
Recently, the U.S. eased sanctions against Russia amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that led to global oil shortages. The U.S. Treasury issued a month-long license for the sale of Russian energy resources.
As the license expired, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen assured that Washington did not plan to extend it. However, the license was soon renewed, prompting U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Wallace to describe the decision as a technical measure aimed at stabilizing the oil market. He dismissed claims that such actions amounted to support for Russia as unfounded.
Ukrainian officials have proposed naming a non-occupied area of Donbas "Donnyland" in an effort to gain U.S. support against Russian territorial claims. This suggestion reflects broader diplomatic strategies as negotiations continue to face challenges.
Source: The New York Times