Trump Demands Ukraine Surrender Donetsk Territory Before Security Guarantees

Zelensky must agree to peace deal and relinquish Donetsk region to Russia, says Trump administration

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:15pm

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According to reports, the Trump administration has informed Ukraine that the U.S. will only provide security guarantees to Ukraine after President Zelensky agrees to a peace deal with Russia that includes surrendering the remaining Donetsk territory. The administration has also indicated it could offer Ukraine more weapons if Kyiv agrees to withdraw forces from the parts of eastern Ukraine it still controls.

Why it matters

This demand from the Trump administration represents a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as previous administrations have staunchly supported Ukraine's territorial integrity. The move signals that the U.S. may be willing to accept a compromise peace deal that cedes Ukrainian land to Russia in order to end the war.

The details

Russia has insisted that the freedom of the Russian-speaking majorities in Donetsk and Luhansk was one of the top objectives of the war. The Trump administration's reported position indicates it is willing to pressure Ukraine to make concessions on this front in order to secure a peace deal and U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine. However, President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's territorial integrity remains unchanged and the country will not give up its territories.

  • On January 26, 2026, reports surfaced that the Trump administration has informed Ukraine that U.S. security guarantees will only happen after Kyiv agrees to a peace deal and relinquishes the Donetsk region to Russia.
  • On January 25, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his position on Ukraine's territories remains unchanged and the country will not give up its territories.

The players

Donald J. Trump

Former U.S. President who is reportedly demanding that Ukraine surrender the Donetsk territory to Russia as a condition for U.S. security guarantees.

Volodymyr Zelensky

President of Ukraine who has stated that Ukraine will not give up its territories as part of a peace deal with Russia.

Matteo Salvini

Deputy Prime Minister of Italy who has called for Zelensky to accept peace conditions and end the war with Russia.

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What they’re saying

“We heard Zelensky, who, after all the money, help and efforts has the audacity to complain. You are losing the war, you are losing people, you are losing authority and dignity. Sign for peace.”

— Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister of Italy

“My position on our territories remains unchanged. Ukraine will not give up its territories, we need to find a compromise.”

— Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

What’s next

The Trump administration's demand for Ukraine to surrender the Donetsk territory as a condition for U.S. security guarantees sets the stage for further negotiations and potential compromise between Ukraine and Russia to end the war.

The takeaway

This development represents a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as the Trump administration appears willing to accept a peace deal that cedes Ukrainian territory to Russia in order to end the war. However, President Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not give up its territories, setting up a potential clash between Ukraine and its Western allies over the terms of any future peace agreement.