Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out any deal that would see Kyiv surrender control of the remaining parts of the Donbas region in exchange for a ceasefire, warning it would provide Russia with a launchpad for future offensives. His comments come days before US President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where reports suggest Moscow may demand Ukraine give up Donbas territory.
Trump recently said any peace plan could involve “swapping of territories,” raising concern in Kyiv and across Europe that Russia could be allowed to cement gains through force. Moscow currently holds almost all of Luhansk and 70% of Donetsk, having occupied parts of Donbas since 2014.
While acknowledging recent Russian advances near Dobropillia, Zelensky said Ukraine would soon neutralise the units involved, framing the push as a propaganda move ahead of the Alaska summit. He also warned of new Russian offensives in Zaporizhzhia, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlov.
Ukraine’s constitution requires a referendum before any territorial changes, and Zelensky has repeatedly vowed not to “gift land to the occupier.” Russia currently controls just under 20% of Ukraine, with the Donbas remaining a focal point of the war.
