Mr Zelensky angrily ruled out suggestions Ukraine and Russia could “swap” territory – and said any deal drawn up without Ukraine’s input would be a non-starter
Keir Starmer offered Ukraine his “unwavering support” today – after Volodymyr Zelensky rejected some of Donald Trump’s peace proposals, fearing a stitch up with Putin.
The US President last night announced plans to meet Russia ‘s dictator in Alaska on Friday, following “highly productive” talks between Steve Witkoff, Trump’s ambassador and Putin. But last night Trump suggested part of the deal would demand Ukraine give up land to Russia.
Mr Zelensky angrily ruled that out – and said any deal drawn up without Ukraine’s input would be a non-starter.
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“Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier,” Mr Zelensky said. “Any decisions made against us, any decisions made without Ukraine, are at the same time decisions against peace,” he added. They will bring nothing. These are dead decisions; they will never work.”
Meanwhile, it’s understood Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Vice President JD Vance will welcome European and US officials at a meeting at Chevening today to discuss the peace deal.
Keir Starmer spoke to Volodymyr Zelensky this morning, and offered his “unwavering support.”
A Downing Street spokesperson 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.”
The row leaves European leaders at risk of angering Trump if they continue to stand squarely behind Ukraine.
Earlier, Donald Trump said “land swaps” would be on the agenda at Friday’s talks.
“We’re going to get some back, and we’re going to get some switched,” he said during a White House event.
“There’ll be some swapping of territories to the betterment of both.”
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Mr Zelensky said Ukraine was “ready, together with President Trump and with all our partners, to work for a real and, most importantly, lasting peace – a peace that will not fall apart because of Moscow’s desires.”
Exasperated that Putin did not heed his calls to stop bombing Ukrainian cities, Trump, almost two weeks ago, moved up his ultimatum to impose additional sanctions on Russia and introduce secondary tariffs targeting countries that buy Russian oil if the Kremlin did not move toward a settlement.
He said last week he would impose 25% tariffs on India, who continue to trade with Russia.
But since the deadline’s expiry last night no additional sanctions have been put into effect.