Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv will not accept proposals to give up Donbas in exchange for a ceasefire, as such a concession would provide Russia with a platform for future attacks.
Context: Before Trump-Putin Meeting in Alaska
The statement came days before the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump earlier hinted that a potential peace agreement might include a "territorial exchange" where Russia receives the entire eastern Donbas and maintains control over Crimea. The White House described the talks as "exploratory", without expecting an immediate deal.
Situation on the Front
Meanwhile, Russian forces maintain their summer pressure and made a sudden movement near the city of Dobropillia in eastern Ukraine, advancing about 10 km in a short period. Zelensky acknowledged that a breakthrough occurred "in several places" but assured that the units involved in the attacks would be neutralized.
Donbas Remains a Red Line for Kyiv
Donbas includes the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, parts of which have been under Russian occupation since 2014. Currently, Moscow controls almost the entire Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk. Zelensky confirmed to journalists that Ukraine will not accept proposals to withdraw from Donbas: "If we give up Donbas today — our fortifications, the terrain and heights we hold — we will open a bridgehead for a new Russian offensive."
Expected Directions of New Attacks
In his nightly address, the president indicated that Moscow is preparing offensives in three front sections — in the areas of Zaporizhzhia, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka.
International Reactions and Expectations
Last week, Trump stated that there could be a "territorial exchange beneficial to both sides", which raised concerns in Kyiv and Europe that Russia might be allowed to redraw borders by force. According to war data, Russia holds slightly less than 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Washington clarified that the Alaska talks will be a "listening exercise" to give the US president a direct understanding of how the war might end. A day earlier, Trump described the meeting as "getting to know each other", with lower expectations for an immediate breakthrough.
Kyiv's Position on the Meeting
Zelensky did not directly criticize Trump but implied he is concerned about Ukraine's absence from the negotiations, describing the choice of Alaska as a "personal victory" for Putin: "He is emerging from isolation because they are meeting with him on American territory."
On Wednesday, the Ukrainian president is set to participate in a virtual meeting with Trump, EU leaders, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, where all parties will insist that the US not succumb to Russian pressure during the upcoming face-to-face meeting.