Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has unequivocally stated that Ukraine will not cede any territory to Russia as part of peace negotiations, emphasizing that such a move would contradict the country’s constitutional stance. In a video message posted on social media, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukrainian land cannot be gifted to Moscow, regardless of the circumstances. This position is critical for Ukraine, which has been engaged in a protracted conflict since the Russian invasion in 2022. Zelensky’s firm stance is a clear signal that territorial integrity remains non-negotiable for the Ukrainian government.
The U.S. and Russian leaders are preparing for their first in-person summit since the invasion, set to take place in Alaska. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously suggested that the summit could include a plan involving territorial swaps, but Zelensky has dismissed this notion. The White House has expressed openness to a trilateral discussion but has not finalized the details. President Trump has stated his desire to end the war and has called for talks with both Putin and Zelensky. The White House has also indicated that preparations are ongoing, and the specifics will be announced when the time is right.
Russia, on the other hand, has not explicitly endorsed the idea of a trilateral meeting. While the concept was mentioned during a meeting in the Kremlin, Russian representatives have indicated that their focus is on the bilateral meeting between Trump and Putin. Russian aide Yuri Ushakov noted that the proposal for a trilateral summit was not a central discussion point, and it remains a possibility that could be explored later. This suggests that while Russia is open to the idea, they are not prioritizing it at the moment. As the summit approaches, concerns about the potential outcomes and the implications for the war remain high, with analysts and international observers closely monitoring the developments.