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Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Information Warfare Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit, Firm on Rejecting Territorial Concessions
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the recent breakthrough by Russian forces near the town of Dobropillia in the Pokrovsk direction, claiming that the advance is likely part of Russia’s effort to create a specific narrative ahead of the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Suspilne reported on August 12.
According to Zelenskyy, the Russian military’s push aims to shape the information environment, particularly in the US sphere, to give the impression that Russia is advancing while Ukraine is losing territory.
“Russian groups, without heavy equipment, have advanced about 10 km in several locations,” Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on August 12.
“Some of them have already been located, partially destroyed, and some have been taken prisoner. Others will also be found and destroyed in the near future. The purpose of this advance is clear to us: to create a certain information background before August 15—the date of the meeting between Trump and Putin—to show that Russia is advancing while Ukraine is losing land,” he said.
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Zelenskyy further explained that the situation in Donetsk region remains the most difficult for Ukraine’s Armed Forces. However, Ukrainian troops have made progress in the Sumy region, where they cleared another 900 meters, and in some areas have reached the Russian border.
Additionally, Ukrainian forces have advanced by 1 km in the Luhansk region. Meanwhile, Russia is redeploying its troops from the Sumy region to the Zaporizhzhia and Pokrovsk fronts, preparing for offensive operations on three key directions: Zaporizhzhia, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivsk.
Zelenskyy also firmly rejected the idea of withdrawing Ukraine’s forces from the non-occupied part of Donetsk as a precondition for a full ceasefire.
“We will not leave Donbas. We cannot do that,” he said. “Donbas for the Russians is a springboard for future offensives. A few years down the line, Putin will have access to Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and even Kharkiv.”
“Right now they want to give them about 9,000 square kilometers, almost 30% of the entire Donetsk region, which will serve as a platform for new aggression,” Zelenskyy continued.
Zelenskyy also revealed that during a phone conversation with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on August 6, Witkoff had suggested that territorial concessions would be made by both sides and that Putin likely wants Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the non-occupied part of Donetsk. This conversation followed Witkoff’s visit to Russia.
On August 8, Trump announced that his upcoming meeting with Putin would involve “territorial exchanges” in the deal to end the war. During a press conference on August 11, Trump expressed concern over Zelenskyy’s focus on “constitutional approval” when it comes to Ukrainian territories, Suspline reported.
Zelenskyy confirmed he referred to the Ukrainian Constitution during his conversation with Trump, saying, “I am not going to give up my country because I have no right to do so.”
“And it’s not about hiding behind the Constitution. Is the state a private property? Is 30% of Donetsk region my private property? Territorial exchanges are a very complex issue that cannot be separated from security guarantees for Ukraine,” Ukrainian President said.
Finally, Zelenskyy highlighted that the Ukrainian position remains firm: a ceasefire must come first, followed by negotiations on other matters. Territorial issues cannot be discussed without Ukraine’s direct involvement.
Earlier, it was reported that US President Donald Trump will meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska, according to an announcement Trump made on Truth Social. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the meeting and added that discussions are expected to focus on potential options for a “long-term settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.”
