Post by : Jyoti Gupta

Photo:AP

In a powerful and emotional statement on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine will not accept any peace agreement that is decided without the country’s direct involvement. His remarks came just days before an important meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place on August 15 in Alaska.

Zelenskyy’s message was sharp and uncompromising. Speaking on social media, he warned that “any decisions made without Ukraine are also decisions against peace.” The president underlined that Ukrainians would never agree to give away their land to an “occupier,” a clear reference to Russian forces currently controlling parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. “They will achieve nothing without us,” he said, making it clear that no outside powers can decide the future of his country without its consent.

A War in Its Fourth Year

The war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022 when Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion. What started as a military operation quickly turned into a devastating conflict, reshaping the political and security landscape of Europe. The fighting has caused tens of thousands of deaths and forced millions of people to flee their homes. Towns have been destroyed, infrastructure has been damaged beyond repair, and entire communities have been displaced.

Ukraine has received military, financial, and humanitarian aid from Western nations, but the human cost continues to rise. Russia, meanwhile, has faced heavy economic sanctions but has maintained control over large areas in Ukraine’s east and south.

Over the past three years, there have been several attempts at peace talks, but they have all ended in failure. In the latest round of negotiations earlier this year, representatives from both sides could not agree on even the basic steps toward a ceasefire. One of the biggest stumbling blocks has been the question of territory — whether Ukraine should regain all land taken by Russia, or if some areas should remain under Russian control as part of a settlement.

Putin’s Refusal to Meet Zelenskyy

President Putin has repeatedly refused to hold direct talks with President Zelenskyy, saying that the conditions are “not right.” This has frustrated Kyiv, as Zelenskyy believes that no real progress can be made without the two leaders meeting face to face.

Instead, Putin has preferred to negotiate indirectly or through intermediaries. This approach has been criticised by many in Ukraine, who see it as a way for Russia to avoid making meaningful concessions.

Trump’s Unexpected Proposal

On Friday, President Trump surprised many observers when he announced that his upcoming meeting with Putin might involve a “swapping of territories to the betterment of both” countries. He did not explain which territories he was referring to or how such an arrangement would work.

In Ukraine, this statement raised alarm. For many Ukrainians, giving away even a small piece of land would be seen as a betrayal of those who have died defending the country. Ukraine’s constitution also states that its territory is indivisible and cannot be given away under any circumstances.

Trump’s comment, however, shows that the Alaska summit could include controversial proposals that might not align with Ukraine’s position.

The Alaska Summit: A High-Stakes Meeting

The summit in Alaska on August 15 will be the first face-to-face meeting between a sitting U.S. president and the Russian president since June 2021, when President Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva. The last time Trump and Putin were in the same room was back in 2019 at a G20 meeting in Japan during Trump’s first term.

Since Trump returned to the presidency earlier this year, he and Putin have spoken several times by phone, but this will be their first in-person discussion. Both leaders are expected to focus heavily on the Ukraine war, though other issues such as arms control, energy, and global security might also be discussed.

For the United States, the summit will be a chance to show leadership in resolving one of the most dangerous conflicts in the world. For Russia, it will be an opportunity to push for terms more favourable to its position — possibly including recognition of its control over some Ukrainian territories.

Zelenskyy’s Call for ‘Dignified Peace’

Despite his strong words, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine remains “ready for real decisions that can bring peace.” However, he stressed that such peace must be “dignified” — meaning it should protect Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and national pride.

He did not provide specific details on what a “dignified peace” would look like, but past statements from Kyiv suggest it would include a full Russian withdrawal, security guarantees for Ukraine, and accountability for war crimes.

International Reactions and Uncertain Outcomes

The Alaska summit has caught the attention of governments around the world. European leaders are particularly concerned about any agreements that might be made without Ukraine’s participation. Some fear that a rushed deal could reward aggression and set a dangerous precedent for other conflicts.

At the same time, there is also a sense of urgency. The war has not only caused suffering in Ukraine but also disrupted global food supplies, driven up energy prices, and increased tensions between NATO and Russia. A breakthrough in Alaska could ease these problems — but if talks fail, the war could drag on for years.

With only a few days to go before the meeting, speculation is growing about what Trump and Putin might agree on. Will they announce a roadmap for peace, or will the summit end without significant results? For Ukraine, the answer could mean the difference between hope and more years of hardship.