Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for Ukraine to cede Donbas in exchange for a ceasefire. According to Reuters, Zelensky stressed that he will not surrender Ukrainian territory or agree to Kremlin demands, which have received some support from former US President Donald Trump.
An important meeting is expected between US and Ukrainian delegations on the 22nd. The US is sending influential figures such as Alexander Stubb and possibly Mark Rutte to Europe to reinforce support for Ukraine amid trilateral negotiations.
During conversations, Trump relayed to Zelensky that Putin had offered to freeze the front lines if Ukraine were to give up the entire Donetsk region. Zelensky rejected this, emphasizing that surrendering territory is unacceptable.
Throughout negotiations, Trump was reportedly tired and irritable, as noted by Western media. He suggested that sanctions against Russia could be reimposed if talks make no progress. Diplomatic sources suggest, however, that Putin is trying to raise the stakes and that the security guarantees offered are insufficiently reliable.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continue attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk region, targeting civilian infrastructure with drones and artillery.
Trump’s wife, Melania, wrote to Putin, urging the return of Ukrainian children held in Russia, an initiative that has garnered support among Ukrainians.
Also discussed during the meetings were Kremlin demands for official status for the Russian language and guarantees for Russian churches—points of concern in Ukraine and viewed negatively by international partners.
The president of Latvia and EU representatives have noted that no real progress has been achieved in the peace talks. Poland continues to support Ukraine’s goal of European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Experts note that the Ukrainian Armed Forces remain the main guarantee of the country’s security. While negotiations continue and the situation remains tense, no catastrophic decisions have been made. Ukrainian society calls for unity and support for the military at this critical juncture.
