Fri, September 18, 2026
Kyiv (Web Desk/Agencies): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a firm warning that any decisions made about peace in Ukraine that exclude his country will be meaningless and counterproductive.
Speaking through social media, Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine has no intention of surrendering any part of its territory to Russia, stating emphatically, “Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier.”
His comments came as former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin prepare to meet next week in Alaska, aiming to explore options for ending the ongoing war.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine must be directly involved in any peace efforts, describing attempts to reach an agreement without Kyiv as fundamentally flawed. "Any decisions made without Ukraine are decisions against peace," he said. "They will accomplish nothing."
He added that a genuine end to the war must include Ukraine and be based on terms that respect the country's sovereignty and dignity, although he stopped short of offering specific proposals.
Later, the Ukrainian leader shared that he had discussed the diplomatic path forward with French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing appreciation for France’s consistent support. Zelensky said Ukraine, along with France and its international partners, remains committed to working towards what he called “real peace,” grounded in justice and security.
He also cautioned against falling for Russian efforts to manipulate the process, insisting that any settlement must ensure lasting protection not only for Ukraine but for all of Europe.
The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Despite three separate rounds of talks between Moscow and Kyiv in recent months, no meaningful progress has been made. Russian President Putin continues to resist calls from Kyiv, the US, and European leaders to agree to a ceasefire, and he has also refused to engage directly with Zelensky—a meeting that the Ukrainian side believes is essential for making progress.
Trump, in announcing the upcoming summit with Putin, suggested that the talks might involve some sort of territorial exchange that he claims would benefit both sides, though he did not provide any further explanation.
If held as scheduled on August 15, the meeting in Alaska would mark the first time sitting US and Russian leaders have come together since Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva in 2021.
Trump and Putin last appeared in person at the G20 summit in Japan during Trump’s previous term, and the two have remained in contact via phone calls in recent months.
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