Zelenskyy Rejects Putin’s Donetsk Demand Conveyed by Trump, Insists on Ukrainian Sovereignty

In a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected a proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin, conveyed through former US President Donald Trump, to cede full control of the Donetsk region in exchange for freezing current front-line positions. The proposal was discussed during a private briefing following a US-Russia summit in Alaska on August 15, 2025, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Russia currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including about three-quarters of Donetsk province, which it first entered in 2014 during the initial stages of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Putin’s demand, as relayed by Trump, would require Ukraine to formally relinquish Donetsk, along with halting military advances in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, in exchange for a temporary stabilization of the front lines. This proposal aligns with Russia’s broader strategy to consolidate control over territories it has occupied since the conflict escalated.

Zelenskyy, however, has maintained an unwavering stance against territorial concessions, emphasizing that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. In response to the proposal, he reportedly insisted that any peace negotiations must involve Ukraine directly and be preceded by a ceasefire and strengthened international sanctions against Russia. This position reflects Kyiv’s broader diplomatic strategy, which prioritizes maintaining pressure on Moscow while seeking to reclaim occupied territories.

Trump’s role as an intermediary has sparked debate, with the former president advocating for a comprehensive peace deal rather than a temporary ceasefire. His involvement underscores the complex interplay of international actors in the conflict, with the United States playing a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue. However, Zelenskyy’s rejection of the proposal highlights the challenges of achieving a resolution that satisfies all parties, particularly given Ukraine’s insistence on reclaiming its full territory.

The Donetsk region remains a focal point of the conflict, with Russian forces controlling significant portions but facing ongoing resistance from Ukrainian troops. The province’s strategic and symbolic importance makes it a contentious issue in any potential negotiations. As the war continues, Zelenskyy’s refusal to cede ground underscores Ukraine’s determination to resist Russian demands, even as diplomatic efforts intensify.