Zelensky Rules Out Giving Up Donbass, Warns of a Political Trap
Vladimir Zelensky said Ukraine will not cede Donbass to Russia, rejecting territorial concessions and warning that accepting unfair terms could trap Kyiv in a weak position.
Vladimir Zelensky has firmly rejected the idea of making territorial concessions to Russia, declaring that Ukrainian forces will not withdraw from Donbass.
Speaking to journalists, Zelensky emphasized that the positions of the parties on this issue remain irreconcilable. He argued that Moscow views a ceasefire as merely a pause in the advance of its troops, while Washington interprets it as an opportunity for Ukraine to reclaim lost territories.
The Ukrainian leader warned that accepting unfavorable terms could become a trap for Kyiv, adding that if Ukraine were to «swallow what’s being served — a bad territorial deal», other decisions about the conflict could be made without its participation.
Zelensky also suggested that U. S. President Donald Trump was «in effect giving Putin another chance». Still, he expressed readiness to engage in talks through multiple formats, including shuttle diplomacy involving Trump. However, he ruled out Budapest as a possible venue for negotiations, citing the stance of Hungary’s Prime Minister.