17 Aug 2025, 13:03
Zelensky Rejects Putin's Demands Regarding Donbas
- Putin proposes to freeze the front lines in exchange for Donbas
- Zelensky rejected the demand for the transfer of territories
- Fighting continues with new attacks on both sides
On August 17, 2025, the situation in Ukraine remains tense. President of Russia Vladimir Putin proposed to freeze the front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in exchange for Ukraine's control over Donbas. This information was reported by various media outlets, including The New York Times.
President of the USA Donald Trump, who met with Putin in Almaty, conveyed this proposal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who categorically rejected the demand. Zelensky stated that Russia's withdrawal from the ceasefire is undermining the efforts towards achieving peace.
During the meeting, Trump stated that Ukraine should consider an agreement with Russia, as it is a "very strong power." He also noted that a peace agreement is a better way to end the war than just an agreement on a ceasefire.
Zelensky, who was not invited to the summit in Almaty, expressed hope for a meeting with Trump in Washington. He emphasized that without adherence to the terms of the ceasefire, there can be no talk of peace negotiations.
Currently, fighting continues. Ukrainian military reported the destruction of 61 out of 85 Russian drones, as well as attacks that resulted in the death of 13 people in Kherson. Russian military, in turn, reported the loss of 52 Ukrainian drones.
Tags: Ukraine/USA/Russia/Politics