Ukrainian President VolodyMyr Zelensky emphasized that he would not concede territory in Russia before the scheduled meeting of President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin.
The US-Russian meeting will be held in Alaska on August 15.
A few hours before the meeting, Trump sent a signal that Ukraine might have to raise territory to end the war that began with a full -fledged invasion of Russia in February 2022.
Zelensky said in a Saturday telegram that “the Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupant.” He repeated that Ukraine should be involved in the solution for peace and is ready to cooperate with his partner for “real” and “sustainable” peace.
Zelensky said Ukraine would not be awarded a reward for what Russia did.
“The answer to the Ukrainian territorial issue is already in the Ukrainian Constitution. No one can get out of it,” he added.
His statement followed Trump’s opinion at the White House on Friday.
“You’re seeing the territory of fought for three and a half years. Many Russians died. Many Ukrainians died,” the US President said.
He did not provide more information on how such a proposal would look.
Trump later announced a meeting between himself and Putin, saying that more details will continue. The meeting was later confirmed by Kremlin.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is ready for the “real solution to bring peace” on Saturday, but Ukraine should participate.
“A solution without Ukraina is a solution to peace at the same time.”
“We are ready to work with President Trump with all partners for practical and most important peace. It is a peace that does not collapse due to Moscow’s wish.”
