Zelensky snubs Trump’s offer to cede Ukraine land to Russia as he seeks 'peace that will not fall apart'

KYIV, UKRAINE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday, August 9, that Ukraine will not give up land to Russia to bring an end to the war, but is ready to work with President Donald Trump for real and lasting peace.

Zelensky's statement comes a day after Trump said on Friday, August 8, that he is close to reaching a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine that will involve "swapping of territories".

Zelensky says any talks without Ukraine 'will not achieve anything'

Volodymyr Zelensky's comments were in response to reports on August 8 that discussions between Washington and Moscow centre on a deal that would lock in Russia’s occupation of territory acquired during its military invasion.

It included a demand by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine cede Crimea, which Kremlin forces illegally annexed in 2014, and its entire eastern Donbas area.

The deal would require Zelensky to order a withdrawal of troops from parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions that are still held by Kyiv.

On August 8, Trump announced that he will meet Putin in Alaska on August 15, with the exclusion of Zelensky from talks aimed at ending the war.

Zelensky said that any decisions taken without Ukraine "are at the same time decisions against peace. They will not achieve anything."

He added, "The answer to the Ukrainian territorial question is already in the Constitution of Ukraine. No one will deviate from this."

The Ukrainian president also added that Ukraine is ready to work with Trump and "all our partners" for a "peace that will not fall apart because of Moscow’s desire."

Donald Trump said on Friday, "I think we’re getting very close," when asked about reaching a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

"You’re looking at territory that’s been fought over for three and a half years. There’ll be some swapping of territories to the betterment of both," he said.

Zelensky wrote in an X post, "I believe in our people. Ukrainians are strong. Ukrainians defend what's theirs. Many in the world have sided with Ukraine during the war. Even those who are with Russia know that Russia is doing evil."

In another post, he wrote, "This war must be brought to an end—and Russia must end it. Russia started it and is dragging it out, ignoring all deadlines, and that is the problem, not something else."

Internet reacts as Zelensky rejects Trump’s offer

People on the internet initially slammed Donald Trump for saying that he is close to reaching a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine that will involve "swapping of territories". Some also sided with Zelensky for his stance.

A user wrote on X, ""We're" swapping? so Potus is offering Alaska or what?" while one added, "Who is he to decide anything?"

A person also stated, "Trump meeting in the US with a fascist war criminal. Shocking what is happening in plain sight here!" whereas one mentioned, "Mumbling old man."

Meanwhile, a user also wrote while praising Zelensky, "Real and genuine peace ... Peace that people will respect Matured and honest statement Such a long right can't end with negative results for them ..." while one commented, "This can't be said enough - Ukraine Belongs to Ukraine!"

A person also mentioned, "Not one square inch. We stand with you. Until peace comes to the brave Ukrainian people," whereas one added, "I stand with ukraine."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online