New Delhi, Aug. 13 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday firmly rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand that Ukraine withdraw from the remaining 30% of Donetsk region under Kyiv's control as part of any ceasefire deal. Zelensky called such territorial concessions unconstitutional and warned they would pave the way for renewed Russian aggression.

In a press briefing in Kyiv, Zelensky said Putin wants Ukraine to cede control over roughly 9,000 square kilometers of Donetsk, the region's last Ukrainian-held areas where the war's fiercest fighting continues.

"Donbas for the Russians is a springboard for a future new offensive," Zelensky said. "We will not leave Donbas. We cannot do this. Everyone forgets the first p...