Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to reject any proposal to cede the Donbas region in exchange for a ceasefire, warning that Russia could use it as a springboard for future attacks.
“If we abandon our defenses, natural advantages, and control in Donbas, we will clearly be opening the door for Russia to launch future assaults,” Zelensky said in a video message on Tuesday (August 12).
Although Moscow controls almost all of Luhansk and 70 percent of Donetsk, Zelensky told a press conference that Ukraine would not retreat from any part of Donbas. Currently, about 20 percent of Ukraine’s territory is under Russian control.
On August 15, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska to discuss a ceasefire. Last week, Trump said a peace deal might involve “some territorial changes for the good of both sides.”
Russia has yet to present an official list of demands, but analysts believe Putin could seek control over the remaining parts of Donbas still held by Kyiv.
After reports of such discussions emerged, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would not “gift” its land to occupiers and stressed that any change to national borders would require a referendum.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have pressed their summer offensive, making a sudden 10-kilometer advance near the eastern city of Dobropillia. Zelensky acknowledged gains in several areas but expressed confidence that Ukrainian forces would soon destroy the advancing units.
He suggested that Moscow’s aim before the Putin–Trump meeting is to create an “informational environment” portraying Russia as advancing and Ukraine as losing.
In his Tuesday night address, Zelensky also warned that Russia is preparing new offensives in Zaporizhzhia, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlovka.
