Zelenskyy Rejects Land Exchange Amid Trump-Putin Alaska Summit Plans

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal that a peace agreement with Russia could involve territorial exchanges, emphasizing that Ukraine will not cede any land to Russia. Zelenskyy cited the Ukrainian Constitution, which declares the country's territory indivisible and inviolable, and stressed that any peace deal must involve Ukraine's full participation to be legitimate and lasting. Despite Trump's indication that some territory swapping might be necessary for peace, Zelenskyy insists that Ukrainians will not 'gift their land to the occupier' and that peace must be dignified and just. The prospect of a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised hopes for dialogue, but Ukrainian leadership remains resolute that territorial sovereignty is non-negotiable. Meanwhile, American diplomat John Herbst noted that Trump privately encouraged Ukraine to consider strikes on Russian cities as a pressure tactic to push Russia toward peace, though the implications of Trump’s public distancing remain unclear. Zelenskyy and his allies continue to advocate for a peace process that includes strong sanctions on Russia and military support for Ukraine without compromising territorial integrity.