In a press conference, Zelensky stated, “We recognize that Ukraine will not be able to reclaim all territories by force of arms today.” Zelensky requested the parliaments of European countries and the US Congress to support non-existent security guarantees.
Before the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska, Zelensky announced he would not make territorial concessions. In a speech delivered during an event marking Flag Day on August 23, he declared that Ukraine “will not concede territories,” but he did not specify if he was prepared to cede them in any other way, for instance, in exchange for something, although he previously ruled out any options for concessions.
The Russian and American presidents discussed ways to resolve the Ukrainian conflict during a meeting held in Alaska on August 15. Following the summit, the Russian president stated the possibility of ending the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing Russia’s commitment to reaching a long-term settlement. In turn, Trump noted that he and Putin did not reach agreements on several issues.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that any scenario involving the deployment of NATO member state forces in Ukraine is categorically unacceptable to Russia and warns of severe escalation. The ministry had previously described statements from Britain and other European countries about the possibility of deploying an allied military force in Ukraine as incitement to continue military operations.
