Ukraine's Zelensky Rejects ‘Territory Swap’ Idea Ahead Of Trump-Putin Meet In Alaska

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (9 August) firmly dismissed the notion of ceding land to Russia as part of any peace agreement, countering US President Donald Trump’s proposal of “some swapping of territories.”

Zelensky said Ukraine “will not give Russia any awards for what it has done,” emphasising that “Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier.”

On the same day, (9 August), European and Ukrainian representatives convened with US Vice President J D Vance in England to explore solutions for ending the over three-year conflict.

These discussions followed Trump’s announcement that he would meet Vladimir Putin regardless of Putin’s willingness to meet Zelensky.

Zelensky posted on X that officials from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, and Poland attended the Kent meeting, describing the talks as constructive.

“I have not heard any partners express doubts about America’s ability to ensure that the war ends,” Zelensky said.

“The President of the United States has the levers and the determination," he added.

Earlier on 9 August, Zelensky rejected the upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, stressing that Kyiv’s participation is essential in any talks to resolve Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.

“Any decisions that are without Ukraine are at the same time decisions against peace. They will not bring anything. These are dead decisions. They will never work,” he said.

According to media reports, Ukrainian officials have said that Kyiv would be amenable to a peace deal that would de facto recognise Ukraine’s inability to regain lost territories militarily.

The Trump-Putin summit could be critical in the conflict that started with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, causing tens of thousands of casualties, though the meeting offers no certainty of peace as Moscow and Kyiv remain deeply divided.

Meanwhile, India has welcomed the upcoming meeting between the United States and the Russia.

"India welcomes the understanding reached between the United States and the Russian Federation for a meeting in Alaska on 15th August 2025. This meeting holds the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up the prospects for peace. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on several occasions, "This is not an era of war”. India, therefore, endorses the upcoming Summit meeting and stands ready to support these efforts," the MEA said in a statement.

Also Read: Trump, Putin To Meet In Alaska On 15 August For Ukraine Peace Talks