Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the country will never cede land to Russia and that the answer to the territorial question is already set out in Ukraine’s constitution.
He said Ukrainians are defending what is theirs and that even those on Russia's side know it is committing "evil." He stressed that Ukraine would not reward Moscow for its actions, adding that the Ukrainian people deserve peace — but that all partners must understand what a "worthy peace" means.
"This war must be ended, and Russia must end it," he said, accusing Moscow of dragging out the conflict and ignoring all deadlines. "No one will retreat from this and no one can. Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier."
Zelenskyy: No peace decisions without Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the country is ready for "real solutions" that can bring lasting peace, but warned that any decisions made without Ukraine are also decisions against peace.
In a message on social media, he said such agreements would be "dead decisions" that will never work, stressing the need for a "real, living peace" that people will respect.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to work with US President Donald Trump and all partners for a durable settlement that will not collapse because of Moscow’s actions.
He thanked Ukrainians for their unity and praised the country’s defenders for preserving independence, adding: "This is our land, we are Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine."
Trump plans Alaska summit with Putin
Zelenskyy's remarks came after US President Donald Trump had said a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine is moving forward and confirmed he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15.
Trump wrote that Putin wanted to meet "as soon as possible," adding the war "could be solved very soon." He said the date was set later than planned because of necessary security arrangements. The Kremlin called the summit "quite logical" and said Trump had been invited to visit Russia afterward.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the deal would involve "swapping of territories to the betterment of both," a position Ukraine has consistently rejected. Kyiv has refused to cede any land since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.
Trump said earlier failed talks had stalled progress but claimed his actions had prevented the conflict from escalating into a world war.