Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion that Ukraine could hand over certain territories to Russia in exchange for peace. The proposal, made ahead of Trump’s scheduled summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, has sparked strong reactions in Kyiv and across Europe.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. He warned that giving up any land would not bring lasting peace but would instead encourage further aggression. “Peace cannot be built by rewarding the aggressor,” he said. “Any decision about Ukraine’s territory made without our consent is illegitimate and will be resisted.”
The president also noted that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits the surrender of any part of its internationally recognized borders. He called on international allies to maintain pressure on Moscow through sanctions and continued military support, emphasizing that unity among democratic nations remains crucial to ending the war.
Public sentiment in Ukraine strongly aligns with Zelenskyy’s position. Citizens and lawmakers alike view Trump’s suggestion as a dangerous precedent that could weaken the global stance against territorial conquest.
As the Alaska summit approaches, Ukraine’s leadership remains wary of being sidelined in negotiations. Zelenskyy made it clear that any peace plan must involve Ukraine directly and uphold its right to determine its own future—without bargaining away its land.