KYIV: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not agree to any Russian offer that involves ceding the Donbas region in exchange for a ceasefire, cautioning that such a move could serve as a launchpad for future Russian attacks.
Zelensky made these remarks ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.
Trump has mentioned that any peace agreement might include “some swapping of territories,” and reports suggest that one of Putin’s conditions is for Kyiv to relinquish control over parts of Donbas still held by Ukraine, BBC reported.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have continued their summer offensive, making a rapid push near the eastern town of Dobropillia, advancing approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) in a brief period. Zelensky acknowledged the advances at “several locations” but assured that Ukrainian forces would soon neutralize the attacking units.
Although he minimized the significance of Russia’s progress, Zelensky noted that Moscow’s goal appears to be shaping a narrative before the Trump-Putin meeting that portrays Russia as gaining ground while Ukraine is losing.
No official information has been released about Putin’s potential demands during the Anchorage talks on Friday.
The Donbas region, comprising the eastern areas of Luhansk and Donetsk, has been partially occupied by Russia since 2014. Moscow currently controls nearly all of Luhansk and roughly 70% of Donetsk. Speaking to reporters recently, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s refusal to concede any part of the Donbas.
(Inputs from BBC)
Comment