The term blends the region's name with Trump's first name and was first raised by a Ukrainian negotiator partly in jest, according to three people familiar with the discussions. It has been used in conversations but has not appeared in any official documents, the newspaper said.
Negotiators also suggested that Trump’s “Board of Peace” play a role in administering the territory — a Ukrainian-controlled part of Donetsk oblast that remains one of the central sticking points in the negotiations. President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed not to cede the area to Russia while saying he is open to establishing a demilitarized or free economic zone there.
One Ukrainian negotiator went as far as designing a green-and-gold flag and a anthem for "Donnyland" using ChatGPT, though it is unclear whether these were ever presented to American officials, the NYT said.
The paper noted that Ukraine is not alone in appealing to Trump's ego. Poland promoted a proposed U.S. military base as "Fort Trump" in 2018, and leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan last year signed a White House declaration envisioning a "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity ".
On the state of talks, the NYT reported that American officials are still awaiting further progress before committing to new visits, and are also planning another trip to Russia.
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Source: Polish Radio, PAP