Ukraine, EU Oppose Land Cedes in Russia-US Peace Talks

Ahead of a high-stakes summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, European leaders insist that Ukraine must be included in any peace talks and oppose any agreement involving Ukraine ceding territory to Russia. Trump described the meeting as a “feel-out” to explore a ceasefire, expressing openness to land swaps despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's firm stance against ceding land. Zelenskyy, while reportedly prepared to consider relinquishing Russian-held areas, has urged European nations to resist any deal that would force Ukraine to surrender territory still under its control. Trump criticized Zelenskyy for requiring constitutional approval to agree to land swaps, blaming Ukraine and President Joe Biden for the war and asserting that if he had been president, the conflict would have been avoided. European leaders, including those from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission, have collectively rejected proposals that would reward Russia with territorial gains, emphasizing continued military and financial support for Ukraine. The differing positions highlight significant tensions ahead of the talks, with Trump optimistic about brokering a deal quickly, while Zelenskyy and European allies remain resistant to concessions that would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.