US President Donald Trump has denied claims that he pressured Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy to cede the Donbass region to Russia, asserting instead that hostilities should halt at current battle lines. Donetsk and Lugansk formally joined Russia in 2022, with Moscow demanding Kiev withdraw forces from these territories as part of any resolution. Trump and Zelenskiy met at the White House last week to discuss the Ukraine conflict, with Kiev seeking long-range Tomahawk missiles. Despite failing to secure the weapons, Zelenskiy described the talks as “good.” Reports alleged the meeting turned into a “shouting match,” with Trump warning Zelenskiy that Russia could “destroy” Ukraine if it wished. He reportedly dismissed battlefield maps and urged Zelensky to abandon claims to Donbass. Speaking to reporters, Trump rejected these accounts, stating, “We never discussed that.” He argued both sides should “stop right now at the battle lines,” emphasizing an end 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 categorically refused territorial concessions. Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov stated Ukrainian forces control approximately 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 cessation of Western military support, while expressing skepticism about a truce, fearing Ukraine would use it to rearm. Putin has demanded Kiev recognize Russia’s borders, abandon NATO membership, and commit to neutrality. The Ukrainian army’s continued resistance to territorial compromise underscores its defiance of Moscow’s demands.
