Trump Denies Any Deal With Putin on Donbas

Trump said “No” when asked whether he had reached an understanding with Vladimir Putin that Donbas should become part of Russia. His denial came as he again claimed Russia’s war against Ukraine is “very close” to ending, while Kyiv continues to reject any settlement that would cede Ukrainian territory to Moscow. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied US President Donald Trump speaks to journalists as he makes his way to board Marine One before departing from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on May 8, 2026. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google US President Donald Trump on Tuesday denied entering into any understanding with Russian President Vladimir Putin that would hand the Donbas region over to Moscow. Speaking to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House before departing for China, Trump was asked whether he had reached an understanding with Putin that Donbas should fully become part of Russia. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “No,” Trump replied. President Trump did not provide details on possible terms of a settlement or say what territorial issues were under discussion. Despite denying any territorial pact, Trump again said he believes Russia’s war against Ukraine is nearing an end. “The end of the war in Ukraine I really think it’s getting very close,” Trump told reporters, saying he believes Moscow and Kyiv are moving toward a settlement. His comments echoed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent claim that the war is nearing its end.  The status of Donbas remains one of the main obstacles to any negotiated ceasefire. Russia has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine withdraw from the parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, while Kyiv has rejected territorial concessions and says any peace deal must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.