Ukraine vows to hold on to its land as UK to host summit of US and European officials ahead of Trump-Putin talks
Ukrainian, European and US officials will meet in the UK today after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed his country would not give up any land to Russia.
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Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Vice President JD Vance will host the security summit.
The Ukrainian leader vowed his country would not give up any land to Russia as he reacted to the news US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska next Friday to discuss a ceasefire.
Announcing the talks, Trump suggested any ceasefire deal will include Russia and Ukraine "swapping territories."
"Of course, we will not give Russia awards for what it has done. The Ukrainian people deserve peace," Zelenskyy said on Saturday.
He added: "The answer to the Ukrainian territorial question already is in the Constitution of Ukraine.
"No one will deviate from this – and no one will be able to. Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier.
"Ukraine is ready for real decisions that can bring peace.
"Any decisions that are against us, any decisions that are without Ukraine, are at the same time decisions against peace.
"They will not achieve anything. These are stillborn decisions. They are unworkable decisions."
Security officials from Ukraine, Europe and the United States will meet in the UK today ahead of Putin's meeting with Trump.
A spokesperson for Downing Street said: "The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine this morning.
"They looked ahead to the meeting of National Security Advisers from Europe, Ukraine and the United States taking place today, hosted by the UK Foreign Secretary and US Vice President.
"They agreed this would be a vital forum to discuss progress towards securing a just and lasting peace.
"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."
I spoke with UK Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer. I am grateful for the support. We share the same view on the need for a truly lasting peace for Ukraine and on the danger of Russia’s plan to reduce everything to discussing the impossible.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 9, 2025
Clear steps are needed, as well as maximum…
Taking to X on Saturday, Zelenskyy added: "We see the same need for a truly sustainable peace for Ukraine and the danger of the Russian plan to reduce everything to discussing the impossible.
"We need clear steps, maximum coordination with our partners.
"We appreciate the determination of Britain, the United States, all partners to end the war.
"We are actively working for constructive diplomacy and for solutions to work. We have agreed on the following contacts."
Confirming the details of his meeting with Putin, Trump wrote on TruthSocial: "The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska.
"Further details to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Mr Trump's bold insistence that territory would have to be conceded stands in stark contrast to previous comments from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has long insisted he would never willingly concede territory to Russia.
"There’s some swapping, it’s quite complicated," Trump added as he took questions from the media on the subject of peace talks.
"There will be some swapping of territories to the betterment of both."
"I believe Putin and Zelenskyy both want peace," Trump insisted on Friday, when asked whether a ceasefire was possible in the region.
Friday marked day 200 of Donald Trump's presidency, with the leader asked whether he believed peace was possible.
"We have a shot at it," the US President insisted.
Asked whether he was waiting on the date of the Nobel Peace Prize announcement in the hopes of receiving such an award, Trump said that he was of "certain persuasion" that meant "no matter what I do, I won't get it".
However the US President went on to add that he "loves saving lives".
"When I came [to power], I said 'this thing is really bad'," Trump added of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The comments from Trump come as David Lammy and JD Vance discussed matters of international interest during the VP's family holiday to England on Friday.