‘The most horrifying thing I’ve seen in my life’: Zelensky responds to video
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear — he will not hand over the eastern Donbas region to Russia. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Zelensky warned that surrendering this territory would give Russian President Vladimir Putin a “springboard” to launch yet another war in Ukraine.
His comments come just days before Putin meets U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. Reports suggest Putin may demand Ukraine’s withdrawal from all parts of Donbas as part of a ceasefire deal. Zelensky strongly rejects the idea, saying that losing the region’s defensive positions would leave Ukraine exposed to future attacks.
“For the Russians, Donbas is a launchpad for a new offensive,” Zelensky said. “If we leave — whether by choice or under pressure — we open the door to a third war.” He stressed that he has “no right” to give away Ukrainian land.
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and began a full-scale invasion in 2022. Now, Ukrainian intelligence warns that Russia is building up troops for another attack, possibly by September. Zelensky also expressed doubt about any peace deal that doesn’t come with strong security guarantees, especially from the European Union.
A trilateral conversation between the U.S., Ukraine, and European nations is planned for Wednesday. Trump has indicated Zelensky will not attend Friday’s summit but promised to brief him afterward.
Meanwhile, Trump says his role is to get both leaders in the same room and encourage “land swap” discussions, though he insists he won’t personally make the deal. The White House has described the Trump–Putin meeting as a “listening exercise” to better understand how to end the war.
Zelensky remains firm: Ukraine will not give up Donbas, and any deal must protect the country’s sovereignty and people.
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