Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the idea of ceding any territory to Russia, emphasizing that a lasting peace must involve Ukraine and not compromise its sovereignty. This statement comes amidst reports of a potential summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to discuss an end to the war.
KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it unequivocally clear that his country will not surrender any of its land to Russia to end the war, following recent suggestions that a peace deal could involve a “swapping of territories.” Zelensky’s statement came as a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was announced to address the ongoing conflict.
In a public address, Zelensky underscored that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is a foundational principle, enshrined in its constitution, and is not subject to negotiation. He warned that any peace efforts made without Ukraine’s direct involvement would be “dead solutions” and would ultimately fail to bring a lasting peace. “Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier,” he stated. “Any decisions without Ukraine are also decisions against peace. They will achieve nothing.”
The planned meeting between Trump and Putin, scheduled to take place next week in Alaska, has raised concerns among Ukrainian and European officials. While some see it as a potential breakthrough, others fear that Ukraine’s interests could be sidelined in a deal brokered between the two leaders. Trump has previously hinted that a peace settlement could involve an exchange of land, a concept that has been firmly rejected by Kyiv.
The fighting on the front lines remains intense, particularly in the eastern Donetsk and northern Sumy regions, where Ukrainian forces are holding off Russian advances. The possibility of a negotiated settlement is met with skepticism by some soldiers on the ground, who believe that a lasting peace is only possible through a military defeat of Russia.
Meanwhile, international support for Ukraine continues, with NATO allies like Denmark, Norway, and Sweden committing to a new $500 million package of equipment and munitions. This funding, coordinated through a new NATO initiative, aims to ensure regular and sustained deliveries of critical supplies to the front lines, reinforcing Ukraine’s position as diplomatic efforts continue.
