U.S. President Donald Trump has denied reports that he instructed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to cede the Donbas region to Russia during a private meeting.

The statement follows claims that Trump pressed Kyiv to make territorial concessions to Moscow as part of efforts to end the war.

Report Claims Heated Exchange Over Peace Terms

According to accounts from individuals briefed on the discussion, a recent high-level meeting between the two leaders turned confrontational as Trump allegedly pushed Zelensky to agree to a settlement granting Russia control over the Donbas region.

Witnesses cited by multiple sources said Trump warned that if Ukraine refused to compromise with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow would “destroy” the country.

Reports also suggested Trump declined to approve Kyiv’s request for Tomahawk missiles, a decision that has stirred debate within Washington over how far U.S. military assistance should extend.

Trump Clarifies: “Leave It the Way It Is”

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump rejected suggestions that he had demanded Ukraine surrender territory outright.

Instead, he proposed a temporary halt to hostilities along the current front lines.

“Let it be cut the way it is. It’s cut up right now. I think 78% of the land is already taken by Russia,” Trump said. “You leave it the way it is right now. They can negotiate something later on down the line.”