Ahead of Key Trump-Putin Talks in Alaska, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Says Russia Wants Remaining 30% of Donetsk. Ukraine Refuses to Retreat, Deeming it Unconstitutional.
Brussels: A new turn is expected in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet face-to-face in Alaska on Friday. This meeting may focus on a potential ceasefire agreement. However, even before the talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a statement that has further amplified the political and diplomatic significance of this meeting.
Russia's Demand: Ukraine to Withdraw from Remaining Part of Donetsk
According to Zelenskyy, Putin wants Ukraine to withdraw from the final 30 percent of the Donetsk region, which is still under Ukrainian control, as part of a ceasefire agreement. This would mean that Russia would gain almost complete control of Donetsk.
Donetsk is a crucial part of Ukraine's eastern industrial region, and it has been the site of intense fighting for a long time. Russia already occupies a large part of this region and now wants to control the remaining part as well.
Ukraine's Stance: No Agreement that Compromises Territorial Integrity
The Ukrainian President has clearly stated that his country will not withdraw from the territories it controls. According to Zelenskyy, doing so would be unconstitutional and would give Russia an opportunity to attack again in the future. He also clarified that this is not just a military issue, but a question of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence.
He says that giving Russia almost complete control of the Donbas region would mean a direct blow to Ukraine's strategic and economic power. Donbas, known for its coal mines, heavy industry, and strategic routes, has long been coveted by Russia for its influence.
American Sources Reveal
Zelenskyy claimed that US officials informed him about Russia's demands. According to this information, Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw not only from Donetsk but also from the other remaining parts of Donbas. This would give Russia almost complete control in eastern Ukraine.
Trump's Statement: "I'll Know in Two Minutes Whether There Will Be an Agreement or Not"
Ahead of the summit in Alaska, US President Donald Trump also made a major statement. During a briefing at the White House, Trump said that he would get an idea in the first two minutes of the meeting whether there was any possibility of an agreement.
Trump has said that if the atmosphere is right, normal trade relations between the US and Russia could be restored. He made this statement at a time when US-Russia relations have been at their lowest level in recent years.
