Zelensky Rejects Putin's Ceasefire Proposal for Donetsk Region
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejects Russia's ceasefire proposal that would require Ukraine to withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region.
KYIV, Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks for Ukraine to retreat from the remaining 30 percent of the Donetsk region under its control as part of a proposed ceasefire agreement.
Zelensky unequivocally declined this offer, asserting that it would be unconstitutional and merely pave the way for future Russian invasions.
Zelensky emphasized that diplomatic discussions led by the United States focusing on ending the war have not addressed providing security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression, and that current meeting formats do not include European participation, both of which are key demands from Kyiv.
In addition, Zelensky revealed that US officials had previously conveyed the idea of territorial concessions ahead of a summit scheduled for Friday between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The involvement of Ukraine in this summit remains uncertain.
EU leaders have also expressed their exclusion from the meeting and appealed to Trump to protect their interests.
Zelensky indicated that Russia desires the remaining 9,000 square kilometers (3,500 square miles) of Donetsk under Kyiv's control, where some of the conflict's most intense battles are taking place, as part of a ceasefire plan.
This would grant Russia nearly the entirety of the Donbas region, Ukraine's eastern industrial heartland that Putin has long coveted.
Zelensky learned about Russia's position after speaking with Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff, following Witkoff's bilateral meeting with Putin.
Witkoff informed Zelensky that Russia is willing to end the war and suggested territorial concessions from both sides.
Some European partners were also involved in this conversation.
Zelensky maintained that relinquishing Ukrainian territory was not a viable option, especially given the lack of discussion regarding security guarantees for Ukraine.
He stated that abandoning Donbas would ignore the fact that these territories are currently under unlawful occupation by Russia.
Zelensky compared the situation to 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, and warned that Donbas serves as a potential springboard for future Russian aggression.
Zelensky addressed Trump directly ahead of the summit, expressing his concerns about the proposed meeting format and the inclusion of European participation.
The EU leaders also released a joint statement on Tuesday emphasizing their unity and support for Ukraine's sovereignty while voicing concern over potential territorial changes and Russia's military actions.
Meanwhile, Russian forces are reportedly advancing towards the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.
Military analysts suggest that the next 24-48 hours could be decisive in this battle.
Should Pokrovsk fall into Russian hands, it would mark an important victory for them and further jeopardize Ukrainian supply lines in the region.
Overall, Zelensky's refusal to yield any territory to Russia underscores his commitment to maintaining Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst ongoing tensions and diplomatic discussions.
Zelensky unequivocally declined this offer, asserting that it would be unconstitutional and merely pave the way for future Russian invasions.
Zelensky emphasized that diplomatic discussions led by the United States focusing on ending the war have not addressed providing security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression, and that current meeting formats do not include European participation, both of which are key demands from Kyiv.
In addition, Zelensky revealed that US officials had previously conveyed the idea of territorial concessions ahead of a summit scheduled for Friday between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The involvement of Ukraine in this summit remains uncertain.
EU leaders have also expressed their exclusion from the meeting and appealed to Trump to protect their interests.
Zelensky indicated that Russia desires the remaining 9,000 square kilometers (3,500 square miles) of Donetsk under Kyiv's control, where some of the conflict's most intense battles are taking place, as part of a ceasefire plan.
This would grant Russia nearly the entirety of the Donbas region, Ukraine's eastern industrial heartland that Putin has long coveted.
Zelensky learned about Russia's position after speaking with Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff, following Witkoff's bilateral meeting with Putin.
Witkoff informed Zelensky that Russia is willing to end the war and suggested territorial concessions from both sides.
Some European partners were also involved in this conversation.
Zelensky maintained that relinquishing Ukrainian territory was not a viable option, especially given the lack of discussion regarding security guarantees for Ukraine.
He stated that abandoning Donbas would ignore the fact that these territories are currently under unlawful occupation by Russia.
Zelensky compared the situation to 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, and warned that Donbas serves as a potential springboard for future Russian aggression.
Zelensky addressed Trump directly ahead of the summit, expressing his concerns about the proposed meeting format and the inclusion of European participation.
The EU leaders also released a joint statement on Tuesday emphasizing their unity and support for Ukraine's sovereignty while voicing concern over potential territorial changes and Russia's military actions.
Meanwhile, Russian forces are reportedly advancing towards the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.
Military analysts suggest that the next 24-48 hours could be decisive in this battle.
Should Pokrovsk fall into Russian hands, it would mark an important victory for them and further jeopardize Ukrainian supply lines in the region.
Overall, Zelensky's refusal to yield any territory to Russia underscores his commitment to maintaining Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst ongoing tensions and diplomatic discussions.
