- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's call for a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv, insisting that a full and unconditional ceasefire must be implemented before any negotiations can proceed. He emphasized that Ukraine cannot negotiate under the "pressure of weapons."
- Zelensky argued that a ceasefire is a necessary precursor to any meaningful dialogue. He reiterated his stance during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting the need for a truce to create a conducive environment for talks.
- Von der Leyen expressed strong support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. She pledged the EU's continued support in strengthening Ukraine's defense industry, particularly in drone production and announced the preparation of the EU's 19th sanctions package against Russia.
- Trump's call for a peace deal reflects his growing impatience with the lack of progress in resolving the conflict. However, his approach, which includes pressing for territorial concessions, has been met with skepticism by Zelensky, who views such concessions as a non-starter due to constitutional barriers.
- The situation is complicated by Russia's insistence on negotiations without preconditions, a stance that Zelensky and his allies find unacceptable.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's call for a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv, insisting that a ceasefire must be implemented before any negotiations can proceed.
During a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, Aug. 17, Zelensky reiterated his stance, emphasizing the need for a truce to create a conducive environment for talks.
Zelensky's position is clear: Ukraine cannot negotiate under the "pressure of weapons." He argued that a ceasefire is a necessary precursor to any meaningful dialogue.
"It is necessary to cease fire and work quickly on a final deal," he stated. This stance was in response to Russia's repeated rejection of Ukraine's calls for a ceasefire, with Moscow fearing that Kyiv would use a pause in hostilities to rearm and regroup.
The Ukrainian leader also dismissed the idea of making territorial concessions to Russia, citing the country's constitution that prohibits trading land. This constitutional barrier has been a point of contention, with Trump expressing frustration over Zelensky's reliance on it to avoid compromises. (Related: Zelensky's desperate gambit: Sabotaging peace talks to maintain grip on power.)
"I mean, he has got approval to go into war and kill everybody, but he needs approval to do a land swap," Trump said earlier this month.
Von der Leyen's support and the EU's role
Von der Leyen has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. During the press conference Sunday, she reiterated her metaphor of Ukraine as a "steel porcupine," indigestible to potential invaders. Von der Leyen pledged the EU's continued support in strengthening Ukraine's defense industry, particularly in drone production.
Brussels' commitment to Ukraine is further underscored by its ongoing efforts to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia. Von der Leyen announced that the EU is preparing its 19th sanctions package against Moscow, demonstrating the bloc's resolve to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
Trump's call for a peace deal reflects a growing impatience with the lack of progress in resolving the conflict. However, his approach has been met with skepticism by Zelensky, who views Trump's insistence on territorial concessions as a non-starter. Zelensky's rejection of Trump's proposal highlights the deep-seated distrust and divergent priorities that continue to hinder diplomatic efforts.
The situation is further complicated by Russia's insistence that negotiations proceed without preconditions, a stance that Zelensky and his allies view as unacceptable. As the conflict drags on, the international community faces the daunting task of finding a path forward that addresses the concerns of all parties while avoiding further escalation.
Watch this Sky News Australia report about the possibility of a Zelensky-Putin meeting as per Trump.
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Zelensky REJECTS Trump's peace plan, insists Ukraine won't concede territory to Russia.
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