Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made it clear that peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved without Ukraine at the table. In a social media message, he firmly stated that Ukrainians will not give up their land and that no agreement made behind their backs will bring an end to the conflict.

His comments were a direct response to growing speculation around the upcoming U.S. Russia summit, where talks of a possible territorial compromise have raised concerns.

Trump has hinted at a plan that could involve swapping territory between Ukraine and Russia, though no specifics have been shared.

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Zelensky, however, dismissed any such notion. He stressed that Ukraine is open to real solutions that could end the war but only if they respect the country’s sovereignty and do not involve secret deals or forced concessions.

He called for a “dignified peace” that doesn’t sacrifice Ukrainian territory or independence. The war has caused immense human suffering since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Ukraine is ready for real decisions that can bring peace. Any decisions that are against us, any decisions that are without Ukraine, are at the same time decisions against peace. They will not achieve anything. These are stillborn decisions. They are unworkable decisions. And we… pic.twitter.com/JFg0rIeLzP

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 9, 2025

While multiple rounds of talks have been held over the past year, they’ve failed to produce a breakthrough. And with Putin currently refusing to engage directly with Zelensky, the path to peace remains uncertain.

Despite this, Ukraine continues to stand firm. Zelensky’s message ahead of the summit is a reminder that any future agreement must involve those most affected especially the Ukrainian people who have paid the highest price in this war.