Zelensky’s Firm Stand: “Ukraine Will Not Give Up Land” Ahead of Trump–Putin Summit in Alaska

Just days before a pivotal summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued an unequivocal declaration: Ukraine will not cede any territory. His message underscores Kyiv’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty amid international efforts to negotiate an end to the war.

Zelensky Rejects Territorial Concessions

In a firm public address, Zelensky invoked Ukraine’s constitution to underline that the nation’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable. “Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupiers,” he stated, adding that any peace agreement reached without Kyiv’s involvement would be fundamentally flawed.ReutersThe Guardian

Summit Sparks Diplomatic Tensions

President Trump announced on social media that he will meet with Putin on August 15 in Alaska to explore a settlement for the war in Ukraine. Among the discussions, Trump suggested that some form of territory swap might contribute to peace.ReutersTIMEThe Guardian

European leaders and Kyiv itself have pushed back against this framing. A joint European statement emphasized that Ukraine must be party to any peace negotiations and that international borders must not be altered by force.Reuters+1

A Diplomacy Void? The Risk of Exclusion

Zelensky also criticized the very format of the talks. He dismissed decisions made without Ukraine’s voice as “stillborn solutions,” warning they would achieve nothing in terms of lasting peace.CBS NewsDeutsche Welle

While the White House has floated the possibility of inviting Zelensky to join the summit, plans remain unconfirmed. Some officials have noted that a trilateral meeting could offer a more legitimate path forward.Reuters+1

Conclusion

As the world turns its eyes toward Alaska, Ukraine’s message is clear: its territory is not a bargaining chip, and peace must be negotiated with its full participation. Zelensky’s stance reinforces that any roadmap to peace must be rooted in respect for sovereignty, international law, and the lived realities of Ukraine’s people.