Zelenskyy Rejects U.S. Call for Territory Swap with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected the idea of giving up Ukrainian land as part of a peace deal proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump suggested that peace with Russia could mean “some swapping of territories,” but Zelenskyy responded that Ukraine will not reward Russian aggression with the loss of any sovereign land.
Ukraine Must Be at the Table
Zelenskyy stressed that a lasting peace requires Ukraine’s direct involvement. He said that discussions decided without Ukraine’s participation or consent would be “dead decisions” and could not produce real results.
International Support for Ukraine’s Stance
European leaders quickly backed Ukraine’s position. In a joint statement, leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and others emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be respected and that any peace agreement must include Ukraine itself.
What This Means
Zelenskyy’s response highlights the importance Ukraine places on sovereignty and democratic principles. Allowing decisions about Ukraine’s borders without its involvement would undermine trust and jeopardize future peace. As diplomatic efforts unfold, Ukraine’s insistence on being central to any discussions sets clear standards for fairness and legitimacy.
