By Gloria Nosa
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly dismissed any suggestion that Kyiv might yield territory to Moscow, insisting that Ukraine’s borders are non-negotiable as discussions continue over a revised U.S. peace plan.
Speaking to reporters while traveling to Brussels for high-level consultations with NATO and EU leaders, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine’s position remains unchanged.
“We are not prepared to give up anything. Our Constitution, our laws, and international principles simply do not allow it,” he said.
His remarks come as Washington works to finalize a new framework aimed at ending the nearly three-year-old Russian invasion. Moscow, however, has repeatedly conditioned peace on formal recognition of its territorial claims.
U.S. Negotiators Push Revised Deal Amid Disputes
The original 28-point peace outline proposed by President Donald Trump drew sharp criticism in Kyiv, with several points viewed as dangerously favorable to Russia. Zelensky confirmed that U.S. envoys have since “cleaned up” the document, reducing it to a 20-point version more acceptable to Ukrainian officials.
“The anti-Ukrainian elements were removed,” Zelensky noted, adding that the United States is still seeking a “middle path.”
Tensions flared earlier when Trump suggested Zelensky had not fully reviewed the updated proposal — a claim the Ukrainian leader flatly dismissed.
European Leaders Back Ukraine in London Meeting
Zelensky met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron in London on Monday to discuss the most contentious issues: future control of eastern Ukraine and security guarantees.
Before the talks, Zelensky urged Western capitals to show “unity” as Russia intensifies attacks.
After the meeting, Merz reiterated Europe’s unwavering support:
“We remain firmly behind Ukraine because its fate is tied to the future of Europe.”
Kyiv Demands Firm Security Guarantees
Ukraine is pressing for a standalone pact with the U.S. and its allies outlining direct actions should Russia launch another invasion.
“There is one question every Ukrainian wants answered: If Russia starts a new war, what will our partners do?” Zelensky asked.
He also emphasized that Ukraine’s long-term EU membership is being discussed as part of broader security assurances.
Washington’s New Strategy Raises Concerns in Europe
The ongoing negotiations are unfolding just as the Trump administration’s refreshed “America First” national security strategy is stirring unease. The document sharply criticizes Europe and omits any reference to Russia as a threat — a departure from longstanding U.S. policy.
The Kremlin welcomed the shift. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised Trump as “a strong leader” and expressed hope that the new tone could create conditions “for constructive cooperation” toward a Ukraine settlement.
Over the weekend, Trump noted that Moscow appears satisfied with the peace proposal, adding pointedly, “I’m not sure Zelensky is.”
Key sticking points — especially the future of the Donbas region — remain unresolved.
War Intensifies as Diplomacy Stalls
While diplomats negotiate, the fighting has escalated. Russia unleashed one of its heaviest missile and drone attacks in months, killing at least seven Ukrainians and plunging several cities into darkness. Odesa, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv regions were hit, leaving residents without power for long hours.
Power-cut schedules have now been implemented across the country.
Meanwhile, fresh concerns emerged in Western Europe after Ireland and France reported new sightings of unidentified drones near their coastlines. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the incidents as possible “hybrid warfare.”
