Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of applying undue pressure on Ukraine in the context of negotiations aimed at resolving the protracted conflict with Russia. Zelensky asserted that any proposal requiring Ukraine to cede territories in the eastern Donbas region, not already under Russian control, would be rejected by Ukrainians if put to a referendum.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Zelensky criticized Trump’s calls for Ukraine to make concessions as part of a peace deal, labeling them as “unfair.” The comments came during a telephone interview with the American website Axios, coinciding with negotiations between representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Geneva. Zelensky expressed hope that Trump’s position was a negotiating tactic rather than a definitive stance.

Trump recently suggested that it was incumbent upon Ukraine and Zelensky to take decisive action to advance the peace talks. He emphasized this point to reporters aboard Air Force One, stating, “Ukraine has to come to the table quickly. That’s all I’m telling you.”

In his discussion with Axios, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine might be viewed as an easier target for pressure compared to Russia. Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude to Trump for his peace efforts and mentioned that his discussions with U.S. envoys Steve Witkopf and Jared Kushner had not involved similar pressure tactics. He emphasized mutual respect in those interactions and described himself as resistant to yielding under pressure.

Zelensky reiterated that any agreement involving the cession of the entire Donbas region would be unacceptable to Ukrainian citizens if subjected to a referendum. He stressed that such a move would be emotionally intolerable for Ukrainians, who would not forgive either him or the United States for it. He emphasized the deep connection Ukrainians feel to their land, citizens, and national symbols.