Ukrainian president accepts partial losses but vows to defend Donbas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged that some territory seized by Russia may not be recoverable, highlighting the challenging realities facing Kyiv amid ongoing negotiations and international pressure.

Speaking in the context of peace discussions with European and American officials, Zelenskyy indicated a pragmatic willingness to consider concessions on certain regions, though he firmly ruled out surrendering the entirety of the Donbas, The Telegraph reports.

“If Trump truly believes these are ‘little’ issues, then peace remains a distant prospect,” the report notes, underscoring Zelenskyy’s measured approach. “But he will not concede the whole of the Donbas, however much Trump tries to frame it as a minor detail.”

The Ukrainian president reportedly presented his peace plan to the White House, engaging in what was described by Trump as “pretty strong words” and “some little disputes about people” during their call.

Zelenskyy has also taken a strategic step by proposing elections in Ukraine within 50–90 days, contingent on a ceasefire and credible security guarantees from both Russia and the United States. Observers suggest this may put him in a stronger negotiating position relative to both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While the future of the Donbas remains the critical issue in any potential settlement, Zelenskyy’s broader peace framework reportedly includes accelerated EU accession, reconstruction commitments, and robust security guarantees—elements that Kyiv finds largely acceptable.

The Ukrainian military continues to resist Russian advances, with recent operations in Pokrovsk allowing Ukrainian forces to retake roughly a quarter of the city, despite Russia deploying an estimated 170,000 troops. Analysts draw parallels to historical counterattacks, noting that tactical victories can carry strategic significance.

As NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned in Berlin, Europe must prepare for the possibility of further escalation, emphasizing that “time is not on our side” and that Russia already views Europe as a target. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s cautious pragmatism aims to balance the pursuit of peace with the defence of Ukrainian sovereignty.

By Vafa Guliyeva