KYIV, Aug 9 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sent a strong and emotional message to the world, warning that any attempt to decide Ukraine’s future without its voice at the table will not lead to peace.
Speaking ahead of the planned US-Russia summit in Alaska next week, Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine will not surrender its territory under any circumstances.
“Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier,” Zelensky declared in a heartfelt post on social media. “Any decisions against us, any decisions without Ukraine, are also decisions against peace. They will achieve nothing. The war cannot be ended without us, without Ukraine.”
While the Ukrainian leader reiterated his country’s readiness for “real decisions that can bring peace,” he emphasized that such peace must be “dignified” — one that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and sacrifices, not a compromise that undermines them.
The war, sparked by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Several negotiation attempts this year have failed to produce results, leaving many uncertain whether the upcoming summit will bring any real breakthrough.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly dismissed calls for a ceasefire and refused direct talks with Zelensky — a meeting the Ukrainian leader believes is critical to achieving progress.
Former US President Donald Trump, who will meet Putin in Alaska on August 15, hinted at the possibility of “swapping territories to the betterment of both” nations, though no details were provided. This would mark the first US-Russia presidential summit since 2021.
For Zelensky, however, one thing is non-negotiable: Ukraine must have its own seat at the table when peace is discussed. Anything less, he insists, is not peace at all.
