Zelenskyy rejects US Donbas plan, demands referendum on territory

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy revealed a US proposal for Ukraine to withdraw troops from Donbas to create a "free economic zone" in occupied territories.
• Zelenskyy rejected the US plan, citing concerns about Russian troops remaining and potentially taking over the zone, emphasizing the need for a fair compromise and a referendum for territorial decisions.
• The proposed US plan involved Ukraine withdrawing from Donbas and freezing frontlines in Kherson/Zaporizhzhia, with Russia ceding small parcels elsewhere.
• Zelenskyy faces pressure from Trump regarding a peace plan, with Trump criticizing his legitimacy and suggesting elections.
• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that allowing Russia to succeed in Ukraine could lead to a larger European war within five years, urging increased defense spending.

Why It Matters: US pushes Ukraine to cede territory, impacting war's future and European stability.