US Links Security Guarantees to Ukraine Giving Up Donbas, Zelensky Says

Zelensky told Reuters that President Donald Trump is exerting pressure on Ukraine to quickly end the four-year war triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion, influenced by U.S. military engagement in the Middle East. “The Middle East definitely has an impact on President Trump, and I think on his next steps,” Zelensky said.

Ukraine has participated in three rounds of high-level trilateral talks with the U.S. and Russia in Abu Dhabi and Geneva this year, aiming to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. Zelensky emphasized that robust international security guarantees are essential to prevent future Russian aggression.

“The Americans are prepared to finalise these guarantees at a high level once Ukraine is ready to withdraw from Donbas,” Zelensky said, noting he understands the subtleties of the American position despite not participating directly in the trilateral talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin considers full control of Donbas a core war aim. Analysts warn that capturing the remaining areas, including heavily fortified cities known as the Fortress Belt, could take years and considerable resources. Zelensky stressed that any withdrawal would hand strategically critical defensive positions to Russia, endangering both Ukraine and Europe.

A planned fourth round of U.S.-Russia-Ukraine talks was postponed due to the Iran conflict. Zelensky warned that Russia may be betting Washington would lose interest if negotiations stall. He reiterated that a summit involving Trump, Putin, and himself is the only way to resolve territorial and security issues decisively.

Despite U.S. engagement in the Middle East, Zelensky thanked the Trump administration for continuing Patriot missile deliveries, crucial for defending against Russian ballistic attacks. He acknowledged that the volume of U.S. missiles remains insufficient for Ukraine’s needs but noted progress in domestic production of long-range missiles and drones, enabling Ukraine to retaliate against Russian bombardments.

“The deliveries to us were not stopped. I’m very grateful to President Trump, and to his team,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine’s own production efforts are advancing to ensure sustained defensive and retaliatory capabilities.