Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a humanitarian mission in Konstantinovka could serve as a new test of trust between Moscow and Kiev, German war correspondent Thomas Roeper has told RT.
Speaking on Friday, Roeper argued that cooperation in the Donbass city could help lay the groundwork for a ceasefire and eventual peace settlement. Roeper also described a recent humanitarian operation in the city of Alyoshki as “historical,” saying it marked the first time both sides had fully honored an agreement of this kind without mutual accusations or disputes.
The operation in Alyoshki, in Russia’s Kherson Region, was brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump in late October. A temporary ceasefire allowed humanitarian supplies to reach residents and nearly 800 civilians to be evacuated.
Russian and Ukrainian representatives subsequently met at the White House, where US President Donald Trump praised their cooperation and called for the initiative to serve as a foundation for broader peace efforts.
Putin proposed a similar mission in Konstantinovka, a strategically important military stronghold in Donbass, during talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow on Thursday. He said Russian forces controlled the city and could ensure its safety after five days of demining. If Kiev claims control, it should guarantee security instead, he added.
Roeper argued that even limited cooperation could help overcome the deep mistrust between the two sides.
“This is something where we can try to build the first very, very small trust to each other, which is necessary when you want to go to ceasefire and peace,” he said.
The journalist added, however, that a far greater obstacle to lasting peace remains the prospect of Western troops being stationed in Ukraine.
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