Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is “surprised” that anyone believes the war would end if Ukraine withdrew from Donbas, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
Speaking to journalists at a Bucha summit on Tuesday, Zelenskyy criticized claims that the conflict could be resolved simply by Kyiv ceding territory in eastern Ukraine.
“So far, what Russia wants and what some partners are spreading is this: they see the end of the war, or the hot phase of the war, when Ukraine leaves the East. I am surprised that anyone can believe this,” he said.
Russia gives Ukraine two months to leave Donbas
The president said Russian officials are pressuring Ukraine with a two-month timeline to vacate Donbas, claiming they can seize the region within that period. “And if Ukraine does not leave within two months, then Russia will seize Donbas and after that there will be different conditions,” Zelenskyy said.
He questioned the logic of limiting Russia’s objectives to Donbas alone. “If their goal is only Donbas, then why do they say they will go further and then there will be other conditions? In my view, the issue is not Donbas after all,” he said, suggesting Moscow’s ambitions extend beyond eastern Ukraine.
Zelenskyy says Russia is pressuring Washington – and the US can push back
Zelenskyy also highlighted Russian efforts to influence US policy, particularly ahead of the American midterm elections.
“I believe today Russia is putting pressure on America. I believe America can put pressure on Russia. That moment is coming, and it is clear that the United States needs to take various steps, both domestically and in foreign policy,” he said.
He stressed Ukraine’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, noting engagement in the Middle East to reinforce Kyiv’s sovereignty and international recognition. “We are fighting for Ukraine and for the subjectivity of our state, which already exists everywhere today, and in the Middle East there is clear confirmation of that,” Zelenskyy said.
The comments underscore Kyiv’s rejection of proposals that involve territorial concessions as a shortcut to ending the war, emphasizing that Russian aggression will not be resolved through Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas.
