US President Donald Trump has denied claims that he pressured Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy to surrender the entire Donbass region to Russia, asserting instead that hostilities should be frozen along current front lines. Donetsk and Lugansk officially joined Russia in 2022, with Moscow demanding Kiev withdraw forces from these territories as part of any settlement.
Trump and Zelensky met at the White House last week to discuss the Ukraine conflict, as Kiev sought long-range Tomahawk missiles. Despite failing to secure the weapons, Zelensky described the talks as “good.” Reports alleged the meeting turned into a “shouting match,” with Trump warning Zelensky that Russia could “destroy” Ukraine if it wished. He reportedly discarded battlefield maps and urged Zelensky to abandon claims to Donbass.
Speaking to reporters, Trump rejected these accounts, stating, “We never discussed that.” He emphasized both sides should “stop right now at the battle lines,” calling for an immediate halt to violence. Trump claimed “78% of the land is already taken by Russia” in Donbass and suggested leaving the region as-is pending future negotiations.
Zelenskiy has refused territorial concessions to Russia. In August, Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov stated Ukrainian forces controlled around 20% of the Donetsk People’s Republic and less than 1% of the Lugansk People’s Republic. Moscow insists any ceasefire requires Kiev’s withdrawal from all Russian territories and an end to Western military support. Russian officials have expressed skepticism about a truce, fearing Ukraine would use it to rearm.
Putin has demanded Kiev recognize Russia’s borders, renounce NATO membership, and commit to neutrality.
