Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed the UK’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly dismissed President Donald Trump’s proposal that a peace plan could involve surrendering territory to Russia.
President Trump is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin next Friday in Alaska as part of his bid to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. He indicated the discussions could include “some swapping of territories”.
However, President Zelensky responded with defiance, stating Ukraine “will not give Russia any awards for what it has done” and that “Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier”.
During a phone call on Saturday, Sir Keir assured the Ukrainian leader of “his unwavering support for Ukraine and its people”. Following their conversation, President Zelensky said they “shared the same view” about the dangers of entertaining what he described as “the impossible”.
“Both leaders welcomed President Trump’s desire to bring this barbaric war to an end and agreed that we must keep up the pressure on Putin to end his illegal war. The prime minister ended the call by reiterating his unwavering support for Ukraine and its people.”
Downing Street spokesperson
Leaders To Meet For Urgent Peace Talks
The UK will host a swiftly organized meeting on Saturday, bringing together national security advisers from the US, Ukraine, and several European nations.
The discussions, to be held at UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s official country residence, Chevening, aim to “discuss progress towards securing a just and lasting peace.” The meeting was reportedly requested by the US and will be co-hosted by American Vice-President JD Vance, who arrived in Kent for the start of his UK holiday.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed the Alaska summit between President Trump and President Putin, saying the talks will explore avenues for a “long-term peaceful resolution”.
President Putin is expected to present demands that Ukraine relinquish control over two eastern regions and Crimea. Speaking at the White House on Friday, President Trump said any potential agreement might include “some swapping of territories.”
“We’re going to get some back. We’re going to get some switched. There will be some swapping of territories to the betterment of both.”
President Donald Trump
In an angry rebuttal, President Zelensky made clear that such proposals would violate Ukraine’s constitution. “Ukrainians will not give their land to occupiers,” he said, warning that any settlement which excluded Kyiv would result in “dead solutions.”
Concerns have been mounting that Ukraine could be sidelined in diplomatic manoeuvres aimed at ending the war. President Trump’s willingness to negotiate directly with President Putin has intensified those fears.
President Zelensky cautioned that any peace deal struck without Ukraine’s participation would be doomed from the outset.
“Any decisions that are without Ukraine are at the same time decisions against peace. They will not bring anything. These are dead decisions. They will never work.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky
As the war enters another tense chapter, the gap between Ukraine’s refusal to concede territory and proposals floated by global leaders underscores the fragile and high-stakes nature of the peace process. With critical talks ahead in Alaska and urgent meetings taking place in the UK, the path to resolution remains fraught with disagreement and uncertainty.
READ ALSO: Ghana Air Force Sticks To Long-Term Strategy- Bright Simons
