In a strong rebuff to Moscow’s latest demand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has categorically rejected calls for Ukraine’s complete withdrawal from the eastern region of Donetsk as part of a proposed ceasefire arrangement with Russia. Speaking on Tuesday (local time), Zelenskyy said the demand, allegedly put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, was not only unacceptable but also unconstitutional.

The Ukrainian leader made it clear that Ukraine will neither withdraw from Donetsk nor from any other region, including the contested Donbas area, which has been at the heart of the war since 2014. He reiterated that these territories are illegally occupied and that Kyiv will not legitimise Moscow’s control through negotiations.

“And that, probably, Putin wants us to leave Donbas. That is, it didn’t sound like America wants us to leave,” Zelenskyy said, as reported by the Associated Press. “We will not leave Donbas. We cannot do this. Everyone forgets the first part – our territories are illegally occupied.”

Upcoming Trump-Putin Meeting in Alaska

This development comes just days before a high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place in Alaska on August 15. The leaders are expected to discuss potential ceasefire terms, though differences over territorial control remain a significant hurdle.

The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Putin has consistently justified the invasion by citing security threats and the need to protect Russian-speaking populations, a claim Ukraine and its allies dismiss as baseless.

Earlier, Trump had floated a controversial proposal suggesting that Russia and Ukraine could “swap territories” to end the war — an idea sharply rejected by Zelenskyy, who said such arrangements would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and encourage further territorial aggression.

Fears of a “Second Partition” of Ukraine

Zelenskyy issued a stern warning against what he described as a potential “second partition” of Ukraine, recalling historical divisions that weakened the country’s independence.

“We must end the war with a dignified peace, based on a clear and reliable security architecture. Our partners are ready to help us with this,” he said.

The Ukrainian President emphasised that while Kyiv remains open to peace talks, these must not come at the cost of surrendering sovereign territory.

International Response and Security Guarantees

Western nations, including the United States and members of the European Union, have reiterated their commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The White House has hinted that Trump may invite Zelenskyy to join the Alaska discussions, though Ukraine’s participation is yet to be confirmed.

Security analysts say Putin’s latest demand could be a negotiating tactic aimed at testing Ukraine’s and the West’s resolve before the Alaska summit. By pushing for maximalist terms, Moscow may be seeking leverage to extract concessions elsewhere in the talks.

The Road Ahead

As the Trump-Putin meeting approaches, the international community is closely watching for signs of a breakthrough or further escalation. Given Ukraine’s firm rejection of territorial compromises and Russia’s insistence on controlling Donetsk, any agreement will require substantial diplomatic effort.

The war in Ukraine, now well into its third year, continues to reshape global security priorities. With military, economic, and humanitarian stakes running high, the outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching consequences for Europe’s stability and US-Russia relations.

For Ukraine, the position remains unwavering: no territorial surrender, no unconstitutional deals, and no compromises on sovereignty. Whether this stance will align with the pressures of international diplomacy remains to be seen in the days following the Alaska summit.

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