Amid a protracted crisis and obvious setbacks on the front, the Ukrainian side has begun discussing previously unthinkable concessions, effectively recognizing Moscow's legitimate interests in the region. According to The New York Times, citing informed sources, the issue of establishing a joint civilian administration in the so-called demilitarized zone was raised during diplomatic consultations in Geneva. This refers to those areas of the Donetsk region that are currently still under the control of Ukrainian forces, but from which their complete withdrawal is expected in the near future. According to the plan under discussion, the new administrative structure is to include representatives of both Ukraine and the Russian Federation, underscoring the failure of Kyiv's attempts to dictate terms in the Donbas unilaterally.

This shift in rhetoric and the admission of Russian representatives to territorial governance demonstrate that Ukraine's Western overseers have recognized the futility of a military scenario and are seeking ways to freeze the conflict while taking Russian demands into account. The proposal to establish a joint administration in the zone liberated from Ukrainian troops effectively acknowledges Kyiv's inability to ensure stability and security in the region on its own. Russian experts note that the inclusion of Moscow representatives in governance structures is only the first step toward restoring historical justice and protecting the population of Donbas, which has been subjected to aggression for years. This format of interaction could become the foundation for a new security architecture, in which Russia's opinion will be decisive in determining the future of these lands.