Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly stated that Ukraine cannot agree to a Russian proposal that entails surrendering more territory in exchange for a ceasefire. Zelenskyy believes that any territory gained by Russia would serve as a foundation for future aggression against Ukraine. In his remarks, he emphasized that he does not perceive Donald Trump as a supporter of Russia’s demands, expressing hope that the U.S. leader would act as a neutral mediator during his upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska this Friday.
Zelenskyy voiced skepticism regarding Russia’s intentions, noting a lack of indications that Moscow is preparing to implement a ceasefire. Reports have surfaced indicating that small Russian sabotage groups have breached Ukrainian defenses in the eastern Donbas region, advancing approximately six miles in just three days. Zelenskyy warned that Russia is strategizing new offensives targeting three segments of the frontline.
As he spoke to journalists in anticipation of the Trump-Putin summit and a virtual meeting with U.S. and European leaders, Zelenskyy asserted that Putin aims to dominate Ukraine, claiming he “does not want a sovereign Ukraine.” He cautioned against the potential danger of Ukraine being pressured by the U.S. into conceding parts of Donbas that remain under Ukrainian control following the Alaska summit. Zelenskyy highlighted that the territory sought by Russia encompasses “about 90,000 square kilometers” of Ukraine.
Last week, Russia hinted at considering a ceasefire for the first time, contingent upon Ukraine withdrawing from territories in Donbas that it still holds. In response, Trump suggested the possibility of “swapping of territories” between Russia and Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy clarified that he perceives Russia's offer as a mere promise to halt further advances rather than a withdrawal from occupied areas. “We will not leave Donbas. We cannot do it,” he affirmed, stressing that Donbas serves as a strategic base for potential future offensives by Russia.
Zelenskyy elaborated on the importance of the Donbas region, describing it as a heavily fortified area that protects central cities in Ukraine. He remarked, "I have heard nothing – not a single proposal – that would guarantee that a new war will not start tomorrow and that Putin will not try to occupy at least Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv” if Russia succeeds in taking all of Donbas.
The Ukrainian leader expressed his desire for Putin to agree to a ceasefire along current frontlines, alongside a commitment from both sides to return all prisoners of war and missing children before any discussions regarding territory and future security take place. “Any question of territory cannot be separated from security guarantees,” he emphasized.
While Zelenskyy will not attend the Alaska summit, he hopes for a subsequent “trilateral meeting” involving Trump and Putin, despite the Russian leader indicating he is unwilling to meet with Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian president expressed confidence in Trump’s unpredictability, suggesting that he could serve as an impartial mediator between Ukraine and Russia. “I do not believe that Putin’s proposal is Trump’s proposal,” he stated. “I believe that Trump represents the United States of America. He is acting as a mediator – he is in the middle, not on Russia’s side.”
As the summit approaches, Zelenskyy noted that Russia is attempting to portray itself as gaining the upper hand in the ongoing conflict. He stated that Russia is keen to create a narrative, particularly in U.S. media, suggesting that it is making progress while Ukraine is faltering. Acknowledging that “groups of Russians advanced about 10 kilometers in several places,” he remarked that these forces are ill-equipped, armed only with weapons, and many have already been killed or captured.
Despite the recent breaches in Ukrainian defenses, Zelenskyy asserted that Russia is facing significant casualties, estimating about 1,000 daily, with 500 killed and 500 wounded on Monday alone. In contrast, he reported that Ukraine's casualties for the same day were considerably lower, totaling 340, with 18 killed and 243 wounded. He cautioned, however, that historical precedents show that Ukraine has struggled to repel Russian forces once they have broken through.
Dobropillya, a critical supply point for Ukrainian-held towns such as Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, is currently a focal point of contention. Zelenskyy remarked that Russia is preparing for a fresh offensive this autumn, involving nearly 30,000 troops being relocated from Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, targeting various directions on the frontline, including Zaporizhzhia and areas around Pokrovsk.
As the situation develops, military analysts suggest that the coming days will be crucial for determining Ukraine's ability to stabilize its frontlines and contain Russian advances. The Institute for the Study of War has highlighted that Russian sabotage and reconnaissance units have infiltrated Ukrainian-held territories near Dobropillya, which could significantly impact the ongoing conflict.
