Zelensky Rules Out Donbas Concession Ahead of Trump–Putin Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out ceding the Donbas region for a ceasefire, warning it could pave the way for further Russian attacks as leaders prepare to meet in Alaska.
Zelensky Rejects Territorial Swap
President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed any proposal to cede Ukraine’s Donbas region in return for a ceasefire, warning it would serve as a staging ground for future Russian attacks. He spoke ahead of Friday’s meeting in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russian Offensive Continues
Moscow’s forces have intensified their push in eastern Ukraine, making a swift advance near Dobropillia, covering roughly 10 km in a short span. Zelensky acknowledged the incursion occurred at “several spots” but said Ukrainian troops would soon neutralize the attacking units.
Frontline Tensions
- Zelensky stressed that abandoning fortified positions would expose strategic high ground to Russian control.
- He warned of fresh Russian offensives in the Zaporizhzhia, Pokrovsk and Novopavlov areas.
- Russia currently holds nearly all of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk, controlling just under 20% of Ukraine overall.
Summit Stakes
The White House described the Alaska talks as a “listening exercise” to help Trump gauge how to end the war. Trump has downplayed expectations, calling it a “feel-out meeting.”
Excluded from the summit, Zelensky expressed doubts about outcomes, saying, “I don’t know what they will talk about without us.” He hailed the choice of Alaska as a “personal victory” for Putin, noting it lifts some isolation off the Russian president.
Zelensky warns that conceding territory in Donbas would create a strategic breach, enabling Russia to launch further offensives.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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