Zelensky Firm on Donbas, Rejects Territorial Concessions Amid Russian Advances

Zelensky warns against ceding territory in exchange for peace as tensions rise before a significant meeting between US and Russian leaders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not agree to any Russian proposal to relinquish control over the Donbas region in return for a ceasefire, asserting that such a move could only serve to facilitate future offensives by Russia. This declaration comes as he prepares for imminent talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled for this Friday in Alaska.

Trump has previously indicated that any potential peace agreement may involve "some swapping of territories," raising concerns that Russia could gain full control of the Donbas and maintain its hold on Crimea. As the discussions loom, Russian military forces have continued their summer offensive, recently achieving a tactical advance near the eastern Ukrainian town of Dobropillia, progressing approximately 10 kilometers in a remarkably short timeframe. While Zelensky acknowledged these developments, he assured that Ukrainian forces would effectively confront and dismantle the units responsible for the assault.

The Donbas area has been partially occupied by Russia since 2014, comprising the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. Currently, Moscow controls nearly the entirety of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk. In a press statement on Tuesday, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's firm stance to not withdraw from the Donbas, pointing out that abandoning their defensive positions would risk creating a foothold for Russian forces to launch further attacks.

In his latest address, Zelensky highlighted the impending new offensives being prepared by Russian troops in three strategic locations: Zaporizhzhia, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlov. Last week, Trump indicated that negotiations might involve altering territorial boundaries to the benefit of both Russia and Ukraine, causing significant alarm in Kyiv and across Europe, concerned that this could embolden Moscow to forcibly alter Ukraine's borders.

Currently, Russia holds just under 20% of Ukrainian territory. The White House has categorized the Alaska summit as a "listening exercise" for Trump, emphasizing that his interaction with Putin could provide essential insights on how to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. Trump has previously downplayed expectations for substantial outcomes from the meeting, referring to it as a "feel-out meeting" in which motives will be assessed.

Zelensky has voiced skepticism regarding the potential for fruitful negotiations, especially considering his absence from the summit discussions. He has articulated concerns about the implications of the meeting taking place on US soil, interpreting it as a personal triumph for Putin. In a bid to reinforce Ukraine's position, Zelensky is set to participate in a virtual conference with Trump, EU leaders, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and NATO chief Mark Rutte come Wednesday, aiming to persuade Trump not to concede to Putin's demands.