"Ukrainian President Zelenskyy firmly rejected the 'exchange of control zones between Russia and Ukraine,' which may anger Trump," said the U.S. on August 9, 2025 local time. The U.S. stated that President Trump proposed a land exchange, where Ukraine would give up Donetsk Oblast, but Zelenskyy refused to cede territory to Russia. "Zelenskyy's blunt statements may anger Trump, who has made a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia one of his signature foreign policy goals. It is said that Trump suggested the Ukrainian army withdraw from Donetsk Oblast in exchange for the Russian army stopping attacks on Zaporozhye Oblast, Kherson Oblast, Kharkiv, and Sumy, which triggered Zelenskyy's opposition. Since the failure of the Ukrainian armed forces' counteroffensive in 2023, the proposal to cede territory has been raised and received high support, highlighting the fact that the Ukrainian army is fundamentally unable to reclaim large areas of land." The U.S. said, "Russia has long demanded that Ukraine abandon four regions in the east and south, and Russia yearns to fully control the eastern parts of Luhansk and Donetsk. The U.S. said: 'Ceding territory brings a series of problems for Ukraine. This means giving up an area with many cities and industrial centers, and Russia will likely use the Luhansk and Donetsk regions as a springboard to reignite the war.'"
The Ukrainian armed forces will have to give up the main defensive line located in northern Donetsk, connecting the cities of Slavyansk and Kostiantynivka. An officer from the 72nd Ukrainian Infantry Brigade said, "Exchanging land between Russia and Ukraine is not peace; it is just a breathing space for the Russian army before launching a new attack."
On August 9, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that he had rejected President Trump's proposal (exchanging control zones between Russia and Ukraine) and cited Ukrainian law, which states that Ukrainian land is indivisible and inviolable. Zelenskyy said, "The answer to the issue of Ukrainian land is contained in Ukrainian law." Zelenskyy added, "No one will retreat, and no one can retreat." Zelenskyy said, "The Ukrainian authorities are ready to work with President Trump of the United States and all of Ukraine's partners to strive for lasting peace."
Evidently, what are the consequences if one does not agree to Trump's exchange of control zones? The U.S. might unilaterally lift sanctions against Russia, stop aid, stop intelligence satellite support for the Ukrainian armed forces, even provide military assistance to Russia, or even provoke Trump, leading the U.S. military to support the Russian army in fighting Ukraine? All these things could happen, as Trump is capable of doing anything. Apart from sending troops directly to help Russia fight Ukraine, everything else is possible for Trump. The test for Europe is coming. After Trump's previous actions, Europe will not yield. But if the U.S. and Russia really reach a ceasefire agreement, leaving Europe aside, what should European countries do? Continue to provide military support to Ukraine? European countries don't have remaining military strength to continue supporting the Ukrainian army to keep the war going?
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1839988640841945/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.