In a press release posted to Telegram, Zelenskyy mentioned Ukraine’s territorial integrity, enshrined within the structure, should be non-negotiable and emphasised that lasting peace should embrace Ukraine’s voice on the desk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced robust opposition on Saturday to the upcoming summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, cautioning that any settlement struck with out Kyiv’s direct involvement could be each ineffective and harmful.
‘Useless options’ with out Ukraine’s participation
The assembly, set to happen this Friday in Alaska, is being billed as a possible step towards ending the battle in Ukraine. Nevertheless, Zelenskyy dismissed the notion that peace might be achieved by bilateral talks between Washington and Moscow alone.
In a message posted to his official Telegram account, the Ukrainian chief reaffirmed that the nation’s territorial sovereignty, protected by its structure, isn’t up for negotiation.
“Ukraine is not going to give Russia any awards for what it has completed,” Zelenskyy wrote. “Ukrainians is not going to give their land to the occupier. Any options which can be with out Ukraine are on the identical time options in opposition to peace. They won’t deliver something. These are useless options. They’ll by no means work.”
Fears develop of Ukraine being marginalised
Zelenskyy’s remarks replicate rising considerations inside Ukraine and Europe that the summit might sideline Kyiv and shift the peace course of away from Ukrainian and European pursuits. Trump’s choice to satisfy with Putin earlier than consulting with Zelenskyy has solely intensified these worries.
Ukrainian officers, talking anonymously to the Related Press, beforehand indicated that Kyiv may settle for a deal acknowledging its present army limitations — supplied it doesn’t formally give up sovereignty over misplaced territory.
Trump indicators territorial concessions could also be on the desk
Talking to reporters on the White Home earlier than formally confirming the date and site of the summit, Trump hinted {that a} potential settlement may contain “some swapping of territories,” although he supplied no particular particulars.
The proposed assembly in Alaska marks a break from conventional diplomacy, the place such high-stakes talks are sometimes held in impartial international locations. Russian officers, nonetheless, welcomed the thought. “It appears totally logical for our delegation to fly throughout the Bering Strait… for such an vital and anticipated summit,” mentioned Yuri Ushakov, a international coverage aide to Putin, as quoted by Russian state media RIA Novosti.
Analysts cautious on breakthrough prospects
Whereas some observers view the summit as a diplomatic alternative, others stay sceptical that it’s going to produce tangible outcomes. Regardless of strategies that Moscow could also be prepared to relinquish management of areas exterior the 4 areas it claims to have annexed, the hole between Russian and Ukrainian circumstances for peace stays large.
Trump’s willingness to satisfy with Putin—even with no reciprocal dedication to satisfy with Zelenskyy — has additional stoked fears in Europe that Kyiv could also be excluded from shaping the way forward for its battle.
World implications of Alaska summit
Internet hosting the Russian president on American soil marks a pointy shift in U.S. posture and dangers undermining efforts by Western allies to isolate Moscow diplomatically. The battle, now in its fourth yr, has claimed tens of hundreds of lives and stays essentially the most violent battle in Europe for the reason that Second World Warfare.
Whether or not the Alaska summit will result in actual progress or deepen divides stays unsure — however for now, Ukraine is making clear that any peace not solid with its participation is not going to maintain.