Ukraine's Stance on Peace Talks
Ukraine has made it clear that it will not surrender any of its territory to Russia in exchange for peace, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. This statement came after Washington and Moscow announced plans for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting is intended to address the ongoing conflict that has lasted for three years.
The summit is scheduled to take place in Alaska, a U.S. state located in the far north. Despite this, Zelensky and European leaders have expressed concerns about the inclusion of Kyiv in the negotiations. Zelensky emphasized that any decisions made without Ukraine’s involvement would not contribute to lasting peace.
In a social media post, Zelensky stated, "Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier." He also highlighted that the war cannot be resolved without Ukraine's participation. During a call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelensky urged allies to take decisive steps toward achieving a sustainable peace.
Preparations for the Summit
National security advisors from Ukraine's allies, including the United States, EU nations, and the UK, were meeting in Britain to align their positions ahead of the summit. However, previous attempts at negotiation have not yielded results. Three rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine this year have failed to produce meaningful outcomes.
The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Millions have been displaced from their homes. Despite calls for a ceasefire from the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine, Putin has remained resistant.
Zelensky mentioned that Kyiv is ready for "real decisions that can bring peace" but stressed the need for a "dignified peace." Meanwhile, Putin has ruled out direct talks with Zelensky, maintaining his stance that such discussions are not currently feasible.
Historical Context and Diplomatic Moves
The summit in Alaska marks the first meeting between sitting U.S. and Russian presidents since Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva in June 2021. That meeting occurred just nine months before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky criticized the choice of location, stating that it is "very far away from this war, which is raging on our land, against our people."
The Kremlin defended the decision, stating that Alaska is a logical choice because it lies on the border between the two countries, where their economic interests intersect. Additionally, Moscow has invited Trump to visit Russia later.
Trump and Putin last met in 2019 during a G20 summit in Japan. Since January, they have had several phone conversations. Ahead of the upcoming summit, Putin engaged in diplomatic calls with allies, including China and India.
Economic Pressures and Military Actions
The U.S. president has taken measures to pressure countries buying Russian oil, such as imposing additional tariffs on India. He also threatened similar actions against China, although no such measures have been implemented yet.
Meanwhile, military actions continue along the frontlines. Across a more than 1,000-kilometre frontline, both sides have been exchanging attacks using drones. A Russian strike hit a bus carrying civilians in Kherson, resulting in two deaths and 16 injuries.
Russian forces claimed to have captured Yablonovka, a village in the Donetsk region, which is one of the five areas Putin considers part of Russia. Ukrainian authorities reported four deaths in Donetsk due to shelling. The situation remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight.