West Bank-Style Occupation on Table? U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff Backs Radical Proposal for Ukraine
Reports reveal U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is backing a “West Bank–style” occupation of Ukraine as a peace solution, raising international alarm ahead of the Trump-Putin summit.
NewsSutra
WASHINGTON / ANCHORAGE (Aug. 14, 2025) — A highly controversial proposal has emerged in advance of this week’s summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Reports indicate that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff raised a plan during recent discussions with Russian counterparts: a “West Bank–style” occupation of parts of Ukraine.
What’s Being Considered?
According to The Times, Witkoff—acting as Trump’s envoy—has reportedly endorsed a model in which Russia would retain military and economic control over occupied Ukrainian regions, while Ukraine formally retains sovereignty. This structure mirrors Israel’s control over the West Bank, where administration is effectively in the hands of an occupying power despite nominal sovereignty remaining with the Palestinians.The Times
This proposal is seen as a workaround for Ukraine’s constitutional ban on ceding territory without a nationwide referendum. Under this model, Ukrainian law would remain on paper, but practical authority would belong to Russia.The Times
Why It Matters
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Legal Loophole vs. Sovereignty: Although Ukraine would retain its borders de jure, governance would be stripped in practice—raising questions around international law, Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and the precedent it sets.
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Sidestepping Democracy: By mimicking the Israeli occupation, the model circumvents constitutional safeguards at the expense of Ukrainian consent and democratic norms.
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Ukraine and Europe Push Back: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been steadfast in rejecting any territorial compromise, emphasizing that Ukraine must be an essential participant in any peace negotiations. European leaders echo that view—demanding that negotiations begin with a ceasefire, involve Ukraine, and respect its sovereignty.Wall Street Journal
What Comes Next
The proposal is expected to be a core topic in the summit scheduled for Aug. 15 in Anchorage. Ukrainian and European leaders have expressed alarm—not just at the substance of the proposal, but at the direction of U.S. diplomacy if it sidelines Ukraine.
Analysts warn that accepting such a plan could embolden its proliferation—applying a dangerous geopolitical model to other conflicts worldwide.
