Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced strong opposition to a planned meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, reportedly scheduled for August 15. The talks are said to explore a potential land-swap agreement to end the ongoing war, an idea that Kyiv has firmly rejected.

‘No Peace Without Ukraine’

In a video message posted on X, Zelenskyy said any deal made without Ukraine’s participation would undermine the chances of achieving genuine peace. “How can you make a deal without Ukraine? This war is against our people, on our land. It can’t end without us,” he declared. The Ukrainian leader warned that bypassing Kyiv in peace negotiations would be “against peace” and “achieve nothing.”

Firm Stance on Territorial Integrity

Responding to reports of a territory trade-off, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s resolve to defend every inch of its land. “Putin chose to invade Ukraine because he didn’t trust our people. That was his mistake. Ukrainians are strong and know how to defend themselves,” he said. The president dismissed Putin’s claims that Ukraine was not adhering to its own laws, insisting the nation follows its constitution and cannot surrender territory.

Open to Dialogue With Trump, But on Ukraine’s Terms

While criticising the planned Alaska talks, Zelenskyy expressed willingness to work with Trump toward a “fair and lasting peace.” He thanked global supporters for standing with Ukraine and cautioned against rewarding Moscow’s aggression. “Russia started this war, and Russia needs to end it,” he said.

Trump and Putin’s Proposed Land Deal

Trump has previously suggested that trading territory could help end the bloodshed, confirming his intention to meet Putin on August 15 in Alaska. “Both countries need to stop this bloodshed. A land deal could be a good way to do it,” Trump stated on X.

Rising Tensions in Peace Efforts

Zelenskyy’s strong rejection of the talks underscores the difficulty of reaching any agreement without Ukraine’s direct involvement. With the war continuing to devastate the country, the proposed meeting has added new complexity to an already challenging diplomatic landscape. The international community is watching closely to see whether the Alaska talks will go ahead—and what impact they might have on the path to peace.

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