Trump issues unexpected comment on Ukrainian Donbas
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump said that there is no mutual understanding between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the transfer of the entire Donbas to Russia, he made the statement on May 12 while speaking with journalists before departing for China, according to Clash Report.
During the conversation with the press, journalists asked the American president whether there is an understanding between Washington and Moscow regarding the possible transfer of the entire Donbas under Russian control.
In response, Donald Trump briefly said, "No." The US President did not provide any additional explanations on the matter.
Reporter: Is there any understanding between you and Putin that Russia should get the entire Donbas?
— Clash Report (@clashreport) May 12, 2026
Trump: No. pic.twitter.com/m6WlFer4pU
Question came ahead of the visit to China
The comment was made before the White House chief departed for China. The conversation with journalists focused on the international agenda and possible contacts between the US and Russia amid the ongoing war against Ukraine.
Donbas issue remains one of the key topics
The issue of Donbas’ status continues to remain one of the central topics in international discussions surrounding Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the US links the provision of security guarantees to Ukraine with the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas.
According to him, Washington is ready to move to the final approval of such guarantees at a high level after this condition is fulfilled.
US President Donald Trump commented on a possible visit to Russia before the end of this year and addressed the prospects of such a trip.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially confirmed that US President Donald Trump will pay a state visit to China on May 13-15 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The parties are expected to discuss the situation around Iran, China’s purchases of Iranian oil, as well as trade relations between the countries.
