Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly rejected the idea of ceding Ukrainian territory in any peace negotiations, asserting that Kyiv must be part of any discussions aimed at ending the war with Russia. His comments came ahead of a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which many feared could sideline Ukraine’s interests in the peace process.
In a statement posted to Telegram, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable and any peace deal that does not include Ukraine will ultimately be futile. He warned that “dead solutions” and decisions made without Ukraine’s involvement would not lead to lasting peace. Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine will not reward Russia for its actions and will not give up any land to the occupier.
Zelenskyy’s remarks reflect widespread Ukrainian concerns that a direct meeting between Trump and Putin could marginalize Kyiv’s role in the peace process. He stated, “Any decisions that are without Ukraine are at the same time decisions against peace. They will not bring anything. These are dead decisions. They will never work.”
The summit between Trump and Putin, set for Friday in Alaska, has raised eyebrows due to the potential for territorial concessions. Trump has suggested that the negotiations could involve “some swapping of territories,” although no specifics have been provided. Analysts speculate that Russia might offer to give up certain territories it controls outside the four regions it claims to have annexed.
Zelenskyy’s statement came after reports that Ukrainian officials were privately open to a peace deal recognizing that regaining lost territories militarily might not be feasible. However, Zelenskyy’s public stance remains firm that Ukraine must be an active participant in any resolution to the war.
The war, which began over three years ago when Russia invaded Ukraine, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. Despite international pressure, Russia and Ukraine remain far apart on terms for peace, with ongoing hostilities and a lack of substantial progress toward a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the violence continues as both sides engage in heavy military exchanges. On Saturday, a Russian drone strike killed two people and injured 16 others in the Ukrainian city of Kherson, while additional casualties were reported in the Zaporizhzhia region. Ukraine’s air force intercepted a significant number of Russian drones, while Russia claimed to have shot down dozens of Ukrainian drones in its territory.
As the fighting drags on, Zelenskyy’s call for Ukraine’s inclusion in peace talks underscores the nation’s determination to ensure its sovereignty and territorial integrity remain central to any potential resolution.