Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly stated on Tuesday that his country will not relinquish control over its eastern territories to Russia, warning that such a concession would only embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin to initiate yet another conflict. Zelensky’s comments come just days before a high-stakes meeting scheduled in Alaska, where Putin is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the ongoing war and possible terms for peace.

Reports suggest that Russia is likely to demand a complete withdrawal of Ukrainian military forces from the remaining areas of the Donbas region that Kyiv still controls. This region, which includes parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, has been a focal point of intense fighting for years. Zelensky warned that abandoning this territory would effectively hand Putin a “springboard” for a fresh military campaign, escalating the conflict even further.

“If we voluntarily give up Donbas or are forced to do so, we will be opening the door to a third war,” Zelensky told a group of journalists. He emphasized the strategic importance of the area, pointing out that Ukrainian forces currently hold key defensive positions and terrain that serve as a buffer against Russian advances.

The conflict’s roots run deep: Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 was widely condemned as illegal by the international community, and the full-scale invasion launched in early 2022 drastically intensified the war. Ukraine’s leader remained resolute, stating, “I have no right to surrender our land. If we lose control over Donbas, it will create a clear path for Russian forces to launch further attacks.”

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military leaders and intelligence sources have warned that Russia is concentrating troops and preparing for what could be a renewed offensive as soon as September. Zelensky expressed deep skepticism about any guarantees that a new conflict can be avoided, highlighting that no formal proposals have assured Ukraine of lasting peace or the security of its major cities.

“The issue of exchanging territory is incredibly complicated and cannot be separated from the question of security guarantees for Ukraine’s sovereignty and people,” Zelensky said. He further underscored the critical role of European nations in any peace negotiations, stressing that Europe is Ukraine’s most reliable partner in ensuring its safety and future.

As international diplomacy intensifies, Zelensky revealed that talks involving the United States, Ukraine, and European countries were scheduled for Wednesday. These discussions aim to find a unified approach toward resolving the conflict and preventing further bloodshed.

President Trump has indicated that Zelensky will not be present at the upcoming Alaska summit between the U.S. and Russia. Instead, Trump plans to call Ukrainian officials and European leaders after the meeting to update them on the discussions. The White House explained that the summit is happening at Russia’s request, and the goal is to better understand the possibilities for ending the war.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said, “Having the two presidents meet face-to-face, rather than just speaking over the phone, provides a better chance to gauge intentions and explore solutions.” However, Zelensky remains unwavering in his belief that Ukraine must be directly involved in any peace agreements.

“Any decisions made without Ukraine’s input are not just unfair—they undermine the possibility of real peace,” Zelensky stated firmly over the weekend. “Peace that ignores those most affected is no peace at all.”

Support for Ukraine’s position is strong among many European nations. Recently, a coalition of European leaders issued a statement affirming that any path toward peace in the region must include Ukraine’s participation. Their united stance underscores the growing international consensus that a lasting resolution requires respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and voice.

In the days leading up to the summit, Trump told reporters he hoped to quickly determine whether Putin was serious about negotiating peace. While acknowledging the difficulty of the situation, Trump mentioned that “land-swapping” between Russia and Ukraine might be part of any potential deal.

Despite the delicate negotiations underway, Zelensky’s message remains clear: surrendering Ukrainian territory under pressure or without solid security guarantees risks igniting further conflict, with devastating consequences for Ukraine and the broader region. His administration insists that peace must be inclusive, fair, and backed by genuine commitments from all parties involved.

As the world watches, the coming days may prove crucial in shaping the future of Ukraine, testing whether diplomacy can prevail or if the shadow of war will continue to loom large over Eastern Europe.