Zelenskyy rejects concessions

Trump envoys pushed Ukraine to surrender Donbas cities for peace

Russia is trying to secure Donbas at the negotiating table after failing to seize it since 2014, seeking control of a line of key defensive cities — Pokrovsk, Kostyantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk and Slovyansk — known as Ukraine’s “belt of fortresses,” a goal U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly willing to trade away for peace, the Financial Times reported on Dec. 12.

11 December 2025, 03:55 PM

Ukrainian soldiers reject idea of negotiating with soil - The Guardian

Ukrianian soldiers are skeptical of proposals to hand over territory to Russia in exchange for peace, despite diplomatic discussions to that effect, The Guardian wrote in its material, published on Aug. 20.

4 September 2025, 11:32 AM

Zelenskyy on National Flag Day: We will not give our land to the occupier

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainians will not surrender their land to the occupier during a speech marking Ukraine’s National Flag Day on Aug. 23. The remarks were broadcast live during the official celebration.

23 August 2025, 02:53 PM

ISW: Russia can’t quickly seize Donetsk without Ukraine troop withdrawal

Russia could only occupy the rest of Donetsk Oblast quickly if Ukraine agreed to Vladimir Putin’s demand to withdraw its forces, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in its Aug. 17 report.

18 August 2025, 05:32 PM

Zelenskyy rejects concessions