Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out giving up any territory to Russia, as former US President Donald Trump prepares to meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss ending the war.
In a video posted on X, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine “deserves peace” but warned it must be “dignified” and respect the country’s sovereignty.
“This war must be brought to an end — and Russia must end it.
Russia started it and is dragging it out, ignoring all deadlines. That is the problem,” he said.
He added that Ukraine was ready to work with Mr Trump and other partners on a “lasting peace that will not collapse because of Moscow’s desires.”
Mr Zelensky’s remarks came hours after Mr Trump confirmed he will meet Mr Putin in Alaska on 15 August for talks focused on ending the conflict.
Speaking from the White House, Mr Trump said the location had been chosen for security reasons, adding: “It would have been sooner, but I guess there are security arrangements that unfortunately people have to make.”
The Alaska venue was later confirmed on Truth Social, where Mr Trump described the meeting as “highly anticipated” and promised further details in the coming days.
Mr Zelensky stressed that no agreement could be made without Ukraine’s involvement, calling any deal reached without Kyiv “stillborn” and “unworkable.”
“Any decisions that are against us, any decisions without Ukraine, are at the same time decisions against peace,” he said.
He accused Mr Putin of ignoring the will of Ukrainians from the outset of the invasion. “Putin did not believe in our people and therefore made the hopeless decision to try and take Ukraine. This was his main mistake,” he said.
“I believe in our people. Ukrainians are strong. Ukrainians defend what’s theirs,” he added.
The planned meeting comes as the war, now in its third year, continues to claim lives and reshape European security.
Kyiv insists any peace deal must involve the full withdrawal of Russian troops and restoration of Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders.
Western allies have largely supported this position, but some have signalled openness to a ceasefire that would freeze the conflict.
Russia has given no indication it will return the occupied areas, including Crimea and parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, seized since 2022.
Mr Trump has positioned himself as a negotiator capable of bringing the two sides together, but past attempts to broker peace have failed to bridge the gap between Kyiv’s demands and Moscow’s stance.
Mr Zelensky’s comments underline that, while Ukraine is open to diplomacy, it will not consider trading land for peace.
Editing by M10News International Desk | Contact: international@m10news.com
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