Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed disapproval following Donald Trump’s announcement of a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15th.
Trump announced the meeting shortly after suggesting that a peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war, ongoing since 2022, was close. Speaking to reporters, Trump said that under a peace agreement, both Russia and Ukraine would need to exchange some territory for mutual benefit.
In response, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine cannot violate its constitution regarding territorial issues. He emphasized that Ukraine will not give away land to colonial powers.
The Kremlin has confirmed that Putin and Trump will meet in Alaska on August 15th. Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, said the two presidents will discuss finding a permanent solution to the Ukraine issue and establishing peace. He added that while this is a difficult phase, Russia will participate in the talks with enthusiasm.
Addressing the nation via his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy said that any decision made without Ukraine’s participation would be against peace. He stated that such decisions would not yield any benefits or desirable results, emphasizing the need for genuine peace and stability instead.
Putin claims that Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea are part of Russia. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 but doesn’t have full control over the other regions.
Some sources suggest that ongoing US-Russia talks include formally recognizing Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories as part of Russia. However, the White House dismissed this as speculation, while the Kremlin has not commented.
Ukraine has previously hinted at making concessions for peace, but giving up one-fifth of its territory would be challenging for Zelenskyy. Such a decision would pose a significant challenge for Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian government.
Tyson Barker, a former US State Department official, said Ukraine would immediately oppose any proposal as reported by sources. He advised that Ukraine’s best strategy is to reject unfavorable proposals and try to base negotiations on their own terms. He also emphasized the importance of acknowledging US assistance in resolving the Ukraine issue.
It’s understood that if an agreement is reached as reported, Russia would cease attacks in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
