The Economist: US proposed redrawing oblast borders for formal capture of Donbas

Initiative to change administrative division

According to The Economist, the US is discussing an option to review the borders between Ukrainian oblasts. The main goal of this initiative is to create conditions for Russia to officially declare the full capture of the Donbas territory.

Formal control versus de facto management

According to the description of this proposal, such a step would allow Moscow to declare full control over the region. Meanwhile, as noted, Ukraine would be able to retain real control over the cities it currently holds.