Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not relinquish any territory seized by Russia during its ongoing invasion. His comments come as President Donald Trump prepares for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, aimed at finding a resolution to the conflict.

In a video address shared on social media, Zelensky emphasized the importance of a dignified peace for the Ukrainian people. "The Ukrainian people deserve peace. But all partners must understand what a dignified peace is," he said. He reiterated that the war, which began with Russia's invasion on February 24, 2022, must end with Russia taking responsibility for its actions.

Zelensky expressed readiness to collaborate with Trump and other allies to achieve a lasting peace. He warned that any peace agreement that does not include Ukraine would be ineffective. "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," he stated.

His remarks were made shortly after Trump announced plans for the summit with Putin, scheduled for August 15. Zelensky pointed out that the meeting is taking place far from the conflict zone, highlighting that any resolution must involve Ukraine. "Very far away from this war, which is raging on our land, against our people, and which anyway can’t be ended without us, without Ukraine," he said.

Zelensky criticized Putin for underestimating the resolve of the Ukrainian people. "Putin did not believe in our people and therefore made the hopeless decision to try and take Ukraine. This was his main mistake, not taking Ukrainians into account," he remarked. He expressed confidence in the strength of Ukrainians, stating, "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."

Trump's announcement of the meeting was made during a press briefing at the White House, where he mentioned that security arrangements had delayed the announcement. He expressed a desire to meet with Putin as soon as possible. "It would have been sooner, but I guess there’s security arrangements that unfortunately people have to make. Otherwise I’d do it much quicker. He would, too. He’d like to meet as soon as possible. I agree with it," Trump said.

The former president later confirmed the meeting on social media, stating, "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."

As the situation develops, Zelensky's commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity remains a central theme in the ongoing discussions surrounding the conflict.