On Saturday, Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky firmly rejected any notion of Ukraine giving up land to Russia during proposed ceasefire discussions.
“We definitely won’t offer rewards for Russia’s actions,” Zelensky stated in a video message shared on Telegram. “The Ukrainian people deserve peace.”
He emphasized that “all partners” need to grasp the significance of peace, reiterating that “Ukrainians will not relinquish their land to the occupiers.”
These remarks came shortly after the White House set a deadline for a peace agreement between the two nations. On Friday, Trump suggested a land exchange as a potential concession in his efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict that has persisted for over three years.
“We will get some territory back and have exchanges to improve the situation for both sides,” Trump commented to reporters when discussing the negotiations.
He also mentioned he plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, and noted that he has refrained from increasing sanctions on Russia, despite earlier intentions. Originally, Trump allowed Russia a 50-day period but later shortened this timeline as Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine continued.
Zelensky contended that the agreement proposed by Trump and Putin, which excludes Kiev, further diminishes hopes for peace in the area.
“Decisions made without Ukraine are, in effect, decisions against us that won’t lead to peace,” he remarked on Saturday. “These choices are ineffective and will not bring results.”
The White House has not yet provided a response regarding these comments.
Earlier this year, Zelensky had mentioned he would consider trading portions of Ukraine for minor pieces of Russian territory, including some of Kursk Oblast that Ukraine captured last year. However, these remarks were made prior to significant land grabs by the Kremlin, and in late May, four Ukrainian border towns were taken.
Despite this shift in sentiment, Trump remained optimistic that this discussion could help end the conflict.
“I believe we’re on track for ceasefires in several areas, but up until now, it’s been quite tense,” he noted to reporters at the time.
“A ceasefire would mean they are aiming their weapons at each other. Unfortunately, some soldiers are trapped by opposing forces,” he added. “I think we will soon achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and proceed with negotiations concerning land division.”
However, the sluggish negotiation process has frustrated many Eastern European leaders, especially as Trump has prominently featured the war in his campaign.
On Thursday, the president denied claims that he was urging a pre-summit meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
“No, he wants to meet me. I will do everything in my power to stop the violence,” Trump stated.
