Ukraine Asserts No Territorial Concessions Ahead of Trump-Putin Meeting

President Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's commitment to its territories in light of upcoming discussions between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, denying any concessions to Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not concede any territory to Russia, making his position clear ahead of an upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This crucial meeting is scheduled to take place in Alaska on August 15, where discussions surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine are expected to be at the forefront.

In a Telegram post on Saturday, Zelensky declared, "Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier," emphasizing that Ukraine must be a key participant in any discussions aimed at achieving peace. He expressed readiness to collaborate with international partners towards a "real" and "lasting" peace, emphasizing that Ukraine should not pay "awards for what it has done" in the context of the conflict.

Zelensky's statements come in contrast to comments made by Trump on Friday during a White House conference, where he suggested that territory might need to be exchanged to bring about a resolution to the war. Trump asserted that the conflict has been ongoing for three and a half years, with significant losses on both sides, though he did not elaborate on specific territory exchange proposals.

He later confirmed the meeting with Putin, stating additional details will follow, which was also corroborated by the Kremlin. Zelensky's position remains resolute, insisting that any measures taken without Ukraine's involvement would undermine the prospect of peace.

"We are prepared, alongside President Trump and all our partners, to work for genuine, lasting peace—not a peace that collapses under Moscow's pressure," he concluded, as the world watches the unfolding diplomatic endeavors concerning the Ukraine crisis.