Zelensky: Russia won't stop at Donbas, ceasefire first then diplomacy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia will not stop at the Donbas and proposed freezing the conflict at current front lines with an immediate ceasefire before deeper diplomatic talks, as trilateral US-Ukraine-Russia negotiations began in Abu Dhabi. Zelensky rejected territorial concessions in exchange for peace, arguing Putin's past actions prove he seeks broader control, including restoring the Soviet Union and targeting Baltic states and Moldova. He warned that if European aid fades, consequences would be "dangerous or very dangerous," citing hybrid attacks or deeper Russian military advances. The talks mark the first direct engagement since February, amid US midterm election fallout weakening President Trump. European allies fear Moscow will demand NATO withdrawal from Eastern Europe, while Italy and partners reaffirmed support for Ukraine's sovereignty and credible security guarantees within a strong NATO framework.