Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stern warning against any peace agreements being negotiated without Ukraine's direct involvement. This comes amid reports that former US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are preparing to announce a high-stakes peace summit in Alaska next week.
Zelensky's Firm Stance on Ukrainian Sovereignty
In a strongly worded statement, Zelensky emphasised that no decisions about Ukraine's future can be made without Ukraine's participation. "Any peace talks that exclude us are not just disrespectful - they're fundamentally flawed," the president declared.
Ongoing Russian Aggression
The diplomatic developments occur against a backdrop of continued Russian military action in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials:
- Russian forces launched missile strikes on civilian areas overnight
- At least 12 settlements reported artillery shelling
- Critical infrastructure was targeted in multiple regions
The Proposed Alaska Summit
Sources suggest that Trump and Putin may use the Alaska meeting to:
- Discuss potential ceasefire terms
- Address territorial disputes
- Establish humanitarian corridors
However, Zelensky remains sceptical: "While we welcome peace efforts, they must include all stakeholders. Solutions imposed from outside will never bring lasting stability."
International Reactions
The proposed summit has drawn mixed responses from global leaders:
- European Union: Expressed concerns about excluding Ukraine
- NATO: Called for any talks to respect Ukraine's sovereignty
- US State Department: Declined to comment on the reported summit
