Day: August 17, 2025

Zelenskyy Rejects Russian Claims Over Donetsk While Trump Proposes Territorial Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that Russia has failed to seize the Donetsk region, which it has sought to control since 2014. He stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin “has been unable to take it for 12 years, and the constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible … to give up territory or trade land,” reports 24brussels.

As reported by The New York Times, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested to European leaders that peace could be achieved if Ukraine consented to territorial concessions in the east. Key areas within the Donetsk region, particularly the strategic cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, have resisted Russia’s attempts to gain full control. Trump indicated that he found common ground with Putin during discussions in Alaska on Friday.

Zelenskyy expressed willingness to negotiate directly with Putin in a future summit facilitated by Trump. He emphasized the significance of discussing territorial matters exclusively between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, alongside U.S. representation. “So far, Russia gives no sign that trilateral will happen, and if Russia refuses, then new sanctions must follow,” he stated.

Kyiv’s previous discussions about potential territorial exchanges were conditional upon Russia agreeing to and respecting a ceasefire, which Moscow has yet to establish, according to recent reports. Key European figures, including the European Commission President, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are set to join Zelenskyy for discussions at the White House on Monday.

During this period, Zelenskyy criticized rising speculation regarding the EU’s potential advancement of Moldova’s application to join the bloc, while Hungary obstructs Ukraine’s accession. Although both nations have been progressing towards EU membership in tandem, it has been reported that Brussels might prioritize Moldova’s bid ahead of Ukraine’s.

“There can be no division between Ukraine and Moldova. That would simply be a very bad move to my mind,” Zelenskyy remarked. “If such a division takes place, it will automatically mean that Europe is divided on Ukraine.”