UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky secures European support as Ukraine rejects US President Donald Trump’s land deal proposal.
As reported by The Independent, European countries have united behind Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Donald Trump’s proposal to cede land for peace with Russia.
Ahead of his Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr Trump suggested the peace talks could include “some swapping of territories” to halt the conflict.
Mr Zelensky hit back, insisting Ukraine “will not give Russia any rewards” and that “Ukrainians will never surrender their land to the occupier.”
What did European leaders say in support of Ukraine’s security?
The alliance of the willing, made up of nations supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion, has expressed strong backing. They warned that any peace deal excluding Ukraine and Europe would threaten vital security interests.
A joint statement from the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland and the European Commission stated,
“We share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.”
They added,
“Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny. Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force. The current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations.”
What was discussed at the UK-led security meeting on Ukraine?
National security advisers from the US, Ukraine, and European nations met in the UK on Saturday, August 9, to discuss critical security matters.
The meeting was held at UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s country retreat, Chevening in Kent, with US Vice-President JD Vance attending. The focus was on renewing efforts to secure a just and lasting peace.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed his support for Ukraine on Saturday. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron said Britain and Germany are “ready to work as productively as possible” after a call with Starmer and Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Sir Keir and President Macron added they
“welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine and end Russia’s war of aggression, and discussed how to further work closely with President Trump and President Zelensky over the coming days.”
Volodymyr Zelensky’s views after a call with Sir Keir Starmer
Following a discussion with Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Zelensky said both leaders committed to lasting peace and warned against Russia’s efforts to derail negotiations.
He rejected the idea, saying Ukraine will not break its constitution by giving up territory. He raised concerns that peace plans excluding Kyiv would only lead to “dead solutions.”
Mr Zelensky strongly warned the international community that any deal made without Ukraine’s involvement would fail.
He added,
“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.”
Mr Zelensky said,
“We are ready, together with President Trump, together with all partners, to work for a real, and most importantly, lasting peace – a peace that will not collapse because of Moscow’s wishes.”
What did Donald Trump say about a possible territory swap in the Ukraine talks?
Donald Trump said any peace agreement may add the “some swapping of territories”, adding,
“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.”
What did Downing Street say about Ukraine and Trump’s peace efforts?
A Downing Street spokesperson added,
“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.”
Estonia’s PM Kristen Michal’s stance on Ukraine’s security
Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal expressed support for Ukraine, saying she believed “that security decisions for Ukraine matter to all of Europe.”
Referring to giving up land for the peace plan, Ms Michal added,
“Respect for territorial integrity is the foundation of stable international relations and changing borders by force can never be accepted.”
Mette FrederiksenUkraine’s views on sovereignty
The Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said,
“Any lasting settlement must respect UA’s sovereignty – nothing about UA without UA. DK stands with our partners for a ceasefire built on Ukrainian strength and Western unity and resolve.”
Pedro Sánchez’s stance on Ukraine’s peace
Pedro Sánchez, the prime minister of Spain, added,
“We must reach a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. We must remain united.”
Which Ukrainian regions has Russia claimed?
The Russian government asserts authority over four Ukrainian regions, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, along with Crimea, annexed in 2014.
Moscow has called for Ukraine to withdraw forces from claimed areas still under Ukrainian control, as fighting continues.
Ukraine and Russia conflict
The conflict started in 2014 when Russia took Crimea and backed fighters. In 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine fully. Russia holds parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Ukraine refuses to give up land.
The war causes deaths, displacement, and damage. Fighting continues with no major progress in 2025.