Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has firmly rejected the idea of a territorial compromise with Russia, after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump supported a land swap proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Speaking to reporters, Zelensky reiterated that Ukrainian forces would not withdraw from the Donbass region, declaring that Kyiv’s military “will not leave Donbass, period.” He again asserted Ukrainian claims over Donetsk and Lugansk, territories that were incorporated into Russia following referendums in 2022.
According to reports over the weekend, Trump allegedly pressed Zelensky during their meeting on Friday to accept a land-for-peace arrangement. Citing a source familiar with the discussion, Reuters reported that Trump warned, “Your country will freeze, and your country will be destroyed,” unless a peace deal was achieved.
The Financial Times noted Trump’s apparent frustration with the war’s stalemate, describing how he dismissed a map of the front lines and remarked that he was “tired” of seeing the same situation continue. Publicly, Trump has maintained his stance in favor of halting hostilities along current positions rather than further escalation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated that Russian troops are advancing “along nearly the entire front line,” crediting Moscow’s military success despite continued Western support for Ukraine.
Zelensky also criticized Hungary as an inappropriate location for the anticipated Trump–Putin talks, accusing Prime Minister Viktor Orban of consistently obstructing Ukraine’s interests. “He blocks Ukraine everywhere,” Zelensky said, arguing that Orban “cannot contribute anything positive or even neutral” due to his opposition to Ukraine’s entry into NATO and the European Union.
The Kremlin has repeatedly labeled Zelensky’s presidency as unconstitutional, claiming his term has expired. Russian officials argue that Zelensky’s refusal to enter peace negotiations stems from his desire to maintain political power.