Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected Russia’s proposal to include the remaining parts of Donetsk region in a ceasefire agreement. He emphasized that ceding these territories would serve as a springboard for future Russian aggression and compromise Ukraine’s security. Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would not withdraw from territories it controls, stating that such actions would be unconstitutional. He also highlighted recent Russian advances in Donetsk, including sabotage groups penetrating Ukrainian lines by about six miles, and warned of new Russian offensives with significant troop concentrations. Zelenskyy called for firm security guarantees and the release of all prisoners of war and abducted children before any ceasefire talks can proceed. He expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump, ahead of his summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, would act as a neutral mediator and not pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions.
