Zelensky rules out ceding Donbas region as Russians make fresh advance

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any proposal to cede the Donbas region to Russia in exchange for a ceasefire, warning it would serve as a launchpad for future attacks. His comments come ahead of a Friday summit in Alaska between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where territorial “swaps” are reportedly under discussion. Russia has recently advanced near Dobropillia, part of a broader summer offensive, while preparing new assaults on multiple fronts. Zelensky, frustrated at being excluded from the talks, called the meeting a “personal victory” for Putin and warned that any deal made without Kyiv’s involvement would be invalid, the BBC has reported. Russia currently occupies nearly 20% of Ukraine.