Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that he will not concede any territory to Russia, ahead of a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin regarding the war’s future in Ukraine next week. Trump had previously suggested that Ukraine may need to surrender territory to conclude the war, following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. On Saturday, Zelensky asserted in a Telegram post that “Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier,” stressing Ukraine’s involvement in any peace solution.
His remarks came before a gathering of National Security Advisors from Europe, Ukraine, and the US, hosted by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Vice President JD Vance. The meeting is reportedly occurring at Chevening, Lammy’s official residence in Kent, where Mr. Vance’s family is presently staying, organized upon the US’s request.
Earlier on Saturday, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had a conversation with Zelensky, stating they agreed the meeting would be a “vital forum to discuss progress towards securing a just and lasting peace.” Trump and Putin are scheduled to convene in Alaska on 15 August to talk about the war’s future in Ukraine. Discussing a potential war-ending deal, Trump noted there “will be some swapping of territories, to the betterment of both.” He added, “You’re looking at territory that’s been fought over for three and a half years, a lot of Russians have died. A lot of Ukrainians have died.”
This position aligns with Trump’s longstanding view of sacrificing land for peace, which Zelensky has always opposed, deeming it unconstitutional and rewarding Russia for initiating the war. Zelensky has refrained from openly criticizing Trump, but his social media post clarifies his stance against it. On Saturday, Zelensky stated Ukraine is prepared for “real solutions that can bring peace,” but emphasized Ukraine’s necessary participation. He stated, “Any solutions that are against us, any solutions that are without Ukraine, are simultaneously solutions against peace.”
He further added, “We are ready, together with President Trump, together with all partners, to work for a real, and most importantly, lasting peace—a peace that will not collapse because of Moscow’s wishes.”
This reflects Ukraine’s and numerous European allies’ concern about Trump and Putin striking a deal without Ukraine’s involvement. Trump’s rhetoric on Russia might have toughened recently, but Ukraine still waits for concrete actions. The deadline set by the US president for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face more sanctions passed without noticeable results.
CBS News, a US BBC partner, cited a senior White House official that Zelensky might somehow participate in the meeting between Putin and Trump, as preparation for the Friday meeting is still ongoing. Locally, there’s a sense that any initial peace talks might exclude Ukraine. Soldiers and civilians express a strong desire for peace, weary from continuous fighting and Russian missile attacks. Nonetheless, there’s little sign that Ukraine will accept peace at any cost—especially one imposed without its participation.