Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky stated the US is linking post-war security guarantees to Ukraine ceding the Russian-occupied Donbas region. Washington seeks a swift end to the war, but Zelensky warned this could weaken Ukraine's defenses and embolden Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky said the US is conditioning post-war security guarantees on Kyiv ceding the Russian-occupied Donbas, as Washington pushes for a swift end to the war. Zelensky warned such terms would weaken Ukraine’s defences and embolden Moscow, amid uncertainty over future US support despite continued military aid.