Zelenskyy Rejects Any Ukraine Deal Without Kyiv Warns Against Territorial Concessions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Saturday that no decisions on Ukraine’s future, especially territorial ones, can be made without Kyiv’s participation, rejecting any possibility of deals struck between Washington, Moscow, or European capitals behind closed doors.

“All issues important to Ukraine must be discussed with Ukraine’s participation, and no issue, particularly territorial ones, can be decided without Ukraine,” Zelensky said after a call with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders.

The statement followed Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which produced no ceasefire but was described by Trump as “extremely productive.” He later told Fox News, “Now it’s really up to President Zelensky to get it done,” adding that European nations also had to step in.

Zelenskyy underscored that Ukraine demands a lasting peace, not “another pause between Russian invasions.” He called for an immediate ceasefire on the battlefield, in the skies, and against port infrastructure, as well as the release of prisoners of war, civilians, and abducted children.

He said he had told Trump sanctions must be strengthened if Moscow avoids an “honest end to the war” or blocks a proposed trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia. “Sanctions are an effective tool. Pressure on Russia must be maintained while aggression and occupation continue,” Zelenskyy noted.

Zelenskyy confirmed Trump briefed him on his talks with Putin and said Kyiv supports the idea of trilateral talks at the leadership level. He will meet Trump in Washington on Monday to discuss concrete steps to halt the fighting.

Putin, in a short statement after his summit with Trump, said Russia hoped “emerging progress” would pave the way for peace but warned Ukraine and European governments not to “create obstacles” or attempt to disrupt negotiations.

European leaders issued statements backing Ukraine’s position and security guarantees, which Zelensky said were vital alongside U.S. support. “We continue working together – Europeans, Americans, and everyone in the world who wants peace and stability in international relations,” he said.