**Ukraine Rejects Russian Proposal for Donbas Region in Exchange for Ceasefire**
In a bold statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that his country will not consider any proposal from Russia to give up the Donbas region in exchange for a ceasefire. Speaking ahead of a meeting between US Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, Zelensky warned that such a move could be used as a springboard for future attacks by Russian forces.
The Donbas region, made up of the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, has been partly occupied by Russia since 2014. Despite Moscow’s advances, Ukraine still controls significant territory in the region, including the fortified heights that Zelensky claims would be crucial in defending against a Russian offensive. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that his country will not compromise on its territorial integrity, no matter what concessions are made during the Alaska summit.
**Russian Summer Offensive Continues**
Meanwhile, Moscow’s troops have continued their summer offensive, making a sudden thrust near the eastern Ukrainian town of Dobropillia and advancing 10km in a short period. While Zelensky admitted that the advance had taken place in “several spots”, he reassured Ukrainians that Kyiv will soon destroy the units involved in the attack.
The developments come as Trump has insisted that any peace deal would involve “some swapping of territories” and could see Russia taking the entire eastern Donbas region and keeping Crimea. This prospect has sparked concern in Kyiv and across Europe, with many worried that Moscow could be allowed to redraw Ukraine’s borders by force.
**US Summit Raises Fears**
The Alaska summit between Trump and Putin has been met with skepticism by Ukrainian President Zelensky, who has expressed serious doubts about the talks resulting in a positive outcome for his country. Despite Trump describing the meeting as a “feel-out exercise”, Zelensky warned that Moscow could use the occasion to advance its own interests.
In an attempt to steer clear of direct criticism, Zelensky’s comments have been more focused on expressing frustration at being excluded from the summit rather than targeting Trump himself. The Ukrainian leader even went so far as to describe Alaska as a “personal victory” for Putin, highlighting the fact that Moscow is now meeting with the US President on American soil.
**Virtual Meeting to Push Back Against Russian Interests**
In an effort to counterbalance the influence of the Alaska summit, Zelensky will join a virtual meeting with Donald Trump, EU leaders, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Nato chief Mark Rutte. The gathering aims to convince Trump not to be swayed by Putin’s demands and to prioritize Ukrainian interests.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Ukraine’s position on the Donbas region remains firm, and any concessions made during the Alaska summit will require careful consideration of their implications for the country’s sovereignty.
