Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly stated Tuesday that Ukraine will not surrender the Donbas region to Russia, warning that any withdrawal could spark a new Russian offensive. He emphasized that leaving Donbas would open the door for Russian President Vladimir Putin to “start a third war” in Ukraine.

Zelensky’s comments come ahead of a high-stakes summit between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, set for Friday in Alaska. Reports suggest Putin may demand Ukraine’s withdrawal from remaining areas of Donbas as part of a ceasefire deal. Zelensky, however, rejected any such concession, warning it would expose Ukraine to future aggression.

“If we leave Donbas today… we will clearly open a bridgehead for the preparation of a Russian offensive,” he said. Zelensky also criticized efforts to negotiate Ukraine’s future without its involvement. “Any decisions made without Ukraine are decisions against peace,” he asserted.

The Ukrainian leader stressed the need for full European and American participation in any peace talks, insisting that “no one except Europe is giving us security guarantees.” A trilateral discussion between the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe is scheduled for Wednesday.

The White House defended Trump’s meeting with Putin, stating it was held at the Russian leader’s request to explore options for ending the war. Trump, meanwhile, said he would brief Kyiv and European leaders after the summit. Zelensky remains resolute: “I am not going to surrender my country because I have no right to do so.”