US and Russia Discuss 'West Bank-Style' Control of Occupied Ukrainian Territories

"West Bank-Style" Occupation Model Discussed
Plan Would Establish Russian Control Without Changing Official Borders

The Times of the UK reported on August 13 (local time) that the United States and Russia have discussed a plan to control Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine, modeled after Israel's occupation of the West Bank.

US President Donald Trump (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo by AFP

The so-called 'West Bank-style' model refers to a scenario in which Russia would establish its own governing bodies and exercise military and economic control over occupied regions in Ukraine, much like Israel has effectively governed the West Bank since occupying it from Jordan in 1967.

A source close to the White House National Security Council (NSC) stated that this idea was raised during discussions between Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Russian officials. According to The Times, Witkoff appears to support the idea, viewing it as a way to bypass the Ukrainian constitution and a national referendum.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the notion of territorial concessions, citing the constitution and public opinion in Ukraine, ahead of the upcoming US-Russia summit in Alaska on August 15. Under this scenario, Ukraine's official borders would remain unchanged. One source explained, "A governor-general would be appointed, and the economic situation would shift toward Russia. While Ukraine would never formally relinquish sovereignty, the reality would be occupation."

The international community does not recognize Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. Last year, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel's occupation of Palestinian regions is illegal and recommended that Israel end its occupation as soon as possible. That same year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution reflecting this stance, with 124 countries voting in favor. Fourteen countries, including Israel and the United States, voted against it.

The Times analyzed that some in the United States see the situation in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine as a reflection of the realities of war, particularly the fact that most countries have refused to become directly involved in combat against Russia.