In light of ongoing Russian military actions, President Zelensky maintains a firm stance against territorial concessions amid high-stakes discussions with President Trump and President Putin.
Zelensky Accuses Russia of Expanding Offensive, Rejects Land Concessions in Alaska Talks
Zelensky Accuses Russia of Expanding Offensive, Rejects Land Concessions in Alaska Talks
Ukrainian President warns against ceding Donbas region as new advances threaten stability
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has categorically dismissed any notion of ceding the Donbas region to Russia in exchange for a ceasefire, asserting that such a move could set a dangerous precedent for future military incursions. His remarks come as President Trump prepares for an upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this Friday.
Trump has previously indicated that a potential peace agreement might entail “some swapping of territories,” raising concerns in Ukraine regarding the fate of the Donbas region, which has been partially controlled by Russian forces since 2014. Reports indicate that Russian military units have made notable advances near the eastern Ukrainian town of Dobropillia, capturing 10 kilometers in a swift assault.
Zelensky acknowledged these advances have been seen in multiple areas but expressed confidence that Ukrainian forces would effectively neutralize the attacking units. With ongoing fighting for control, the strategic Donbas region, encompassing Luhansk and Donetsk, is critical, with Russia currently asserting control over nearly 70% of Donetsk and all of Luhansk.
In a statement to journalists, Zelensky emphasized the risks of conceding territory. “Withdrawing from icons of our strength would enable a bridgehead for further Russian advances,” he warned. His comments come amid mounting anxiety in Kyiv and across Europe following Trump’s remarks about the possibility of land exchanges benefiting both Russia and Ukraine.
In the backdrop of these developments, the White House categorized the upcoming Alaska talks as primarily a “listening exercise,” intending to glean insights from Putin to inform America’s strategic approach. While Trump initially conveyed optimism about the meeting’s potential to foster peace, he later tempered expectations, dubbing it a "feel-out meeting."
Zelensky has expressed skepticism regarding the efficacy of the summit, lamenting Ukraine’s exclusion while finding irony in Alaska being a venue that symbolizes a meeting with Putin during a time of international isolation for Russia. “He is coming out of isolation, thanks to this meeting on US soil,” Zelensky stated.
Following this summit, Zelensky plans to engage in a virtual meeting with Trump, EU leaders, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to advocate for a unified Western response to Russian aggression.
