Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly refused Russia’s proposal asking Ukraine to surrender more land in return for a ceasefire on Tuesday, August 12. He warned that if Ukraine agreed, Russia would use the territory as a base to start another war later.

Putin Wants Ukraine to Withdraw from Last Part of Donetsk

At a press briefing in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded Ukraine pull back from the final 9,000 square kilometers of Donetsk still under Ukrainian control. Zelenskyy shared that U.S. officials had informed him about this ahead of the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Putin on Friday. He stressed, “agreeing to such terms would merely lay the groundwork for another war.”

Hope for Fair Mediation from Trump

Zelenskyy expressed doubt that Trump supports Russia’s demands. However, he hoped that the U.S. president would act as a fair mediator during the upcoming talks in Alaska.

No Signs of Russia Preparing for Ceasefire

The Ukrainian leader also said there were no signs Russia was ready to honor a ceasefire. He pointed to reports of small Russian sabotage groups breaking through Ukrainian defenses in eastern Donbas, advancing about six miles within three days. He warned Russia planned fresh attacks along three sections of the frontline.

Putin Seeks Control Over Ukraine

Before the Trump-Putin summit and a virtual meeting with U.S. and European leaders, Zelenskyy accused Putin of wanting to dominate Ukraine because “he does not want a sovereign Ukraine.” He cautioned that it would be dangerous if the U.S. pressured Ukraine to accept Russia’s demand to seize the remaining parts of Donbas after the talks. According to Zelenskyy, Russia’s desired territory covers “about 90,000 square kilometers” of Ukraine.

Russia’s Ceasefire Offer Seen as Insincere

Last week, Russia indicated it might consider a ceasefire if Ukraine withdrew from Donbas areas still under its control. While Trump suggested the countries might explore a “swapping of territories,” Zelenskyy said he understood Russia’s offer as just “not to advance further, not to withdraw from anywhere,” meaning no real exchange of land was planned.