World3 min(s) read
Published 16:34 23 Apr 2025 GMT
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has delivered a scathing rejection of Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan to end the war with Russia.
The proposed framework - backed by Trump’s envoy General Keith Kellogg - would see Ukraine hand over sweeping concessions, including Crimea and large parts of the occupied territories of Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhia.
In return, Ukraine would gain access to the Dnipro River and retain a northern slice of Kherson. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant would be placed under U.S. administration.
But for Zelensky, the plan was dead on arrival, and the Ukrainian president dismissed the seven-point US-brokered proposal with just four words: “This violates our Constitution.”
The plan, described by US officials as Trump’s “final offer,” has triggered fierce opposition in Kyiv.
Beyond the land losses, the deal would block Ukraine from joining NATO and lift all U.S. sanctions on Russia. A minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine was also floated as part of the package.
“There is nothing to talk about. This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine,” he said, per Al Jazeera.
Zelensky warned that conceding any territory would only embolden the Kremlin: “As soon as talks about Crimea and our sovereign territories begin, the talks enter the format that Russia wants — prolonging the war – because it will not be possible to agree on everything quickly. We know where these signals are sounding and will continue to sound.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has taken a more aggressive tone, suggesting that America’s patience is running out. Speaking from India, he issued a blunt ultimatum, per the Daily Express: “It’s time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process.”
The VPOTUS added: “The current lines, somewhere close to them is where you’re ultimately, I think, going to draw the new lines in the conflict.”
While Kyiv remains firmly opposed, Trump’s team is pushing ahead. If Ukraine were to agree to the plan, Trump allies confirmed that Steve Witkoff would travel to Moscow to present it to President Vladimir Putin directly.
But signs of internal friction are emerging. Top-level talks planned for London between the US, Ukraine, France, Germany, and the UK have been downgraded after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pulled out, choosing to travel to Moscow instead. Envoy Steve Witkoff also opted not to attend. General Kellogg now leads the American delegation.
Zelensky, however, emphasized his country’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, writing on Telegram: “Ukraine has repeatedly said that it does not exclude any of the formats that can lead to a ceasefire and further to real peace. Stopping the killings is the number one task.”
But his conditions remain clear: no territorial compromise, no forced neutrality, no erasing the pain of Russia’s invasion.
As discussions continue under the cloud of concessions and ultimatums, the French presidency has backed Ukraine’s stance, reaffirming that “any peace deal must include respect for Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.”
For now, Ukraine’s message is unflinching—and the battle over borders continues, on both the map and at the negotiating table.
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us4 min(s) read
Published 09:33 24 Apr 2025 GMT
President Donald Trump has delivered a "dire" ultimatum to Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelensky forcefully rejected his proposed peace plan.
Trump's peace plan, which was crafted with input from Trump’s envoy General Keith Kellogg, would require Ukraine to make sweeping territorial concessions.
Under the proposal, Kyiv would hand over Crimea and large portions of Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhia to Russia. In return, Ukraine would retain access to the Dnipro River and a northern slice of Kherson, while the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant would be placed under U.S. administration.
But Zelensky refused to even entertain the plan, and described it as a violation of Ukraine’s legal and territorial integrity.
“There is nothing to talk about. This violates our Constitution," he said, according to Al Jazeera. "This is our territory - the territory of the people of Ukraine."
Zelensky warned that accepting such a plan would only embolden Moscow: “As soon as talks about Crimea and our sovereign territories begin, the talks enter the format that Russia wants - prolonging the war - because it will not be possible to agree on everything quickly.”
Despite the backlash in Kyiv, Trump’s allies are continuing to push the initiative.
Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow to present the plan to Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, while General Kellogg leads the American delegation after top-level peace talks in London were downgraded.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pulled out to head to Moscow instead, and Vice President JD Vance, speaking from India, issued a blunt warning: “It’s time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process," per the Daily Express.
Meanwhile, President Trump took to Truth Social to slam Zelensky over comments made in The Wall Street Journal, where the Ukrainian president had doubled down on Crimea, stating: “Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There’s nothing to talk about here.”
He blasted the remarks as “very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia," adding: “Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion.
"Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory, but if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?”
The 78-year-old warned that Zelenskyy’s refusal to compromise could doom the chances of a peaceful resolution.
“It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War,” he wrote. “He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire - He can have Peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.”
Claiming his motivation is to end the bloodshed, Trump added: “I have nothing to do with Russia, but have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever.”
The president then issued a grim warning: “The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the ‘killing field,’ and nobody wants that! We are very close to a Deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE.”
He concluded his message by emphasizing his desire to help both sides reach a resolution: “I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this Complete and Total MESS, that would have never started if I were President!”
Zelenskyy, however, reiterated Ukraine’s position on peace on Telegram: “Ukraine has repeatedly said that it does not exclude any of the formats that can lead to a ceasefire and further to real peace. Stopping the killings is the number one task.”
But his red lines remain unchanged: no surrender of territory, no forced neutrality, and no erasure of Ukraine’s suffering.
The French presidency backed Kyiv’s stance, stating any peace agreement must include full respect for Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.
world4 min(s) read
Published 17:18 04 Mar 2025 GMT
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a statement following President Donald Trump's decision to cease military aid in Ukraine.
The POTUS' decision - which could significantly impact Ukraine’s ability to defend itself - has drawn a mixed reaction of allies and critics.
A White House official confirmed the move on Monday, stating that aid would remain on hold unless Zelenskyy agreed to peace negotiations.
"The president has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution," the official said per CNN.
The suspension affects all military equipment not yet delivered, including advanced weaponry that has been critical in allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory.
While Ukraine’s forces can reportedly maintain their current pace for several weeks, Western officials warn that the long-term consequences could weaken Kyiv’s position and potentially push them into an unfavorable settlement.
Now, President Zelenskyy has issued a statement following Trump's move.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Ukrainian president wrote: "None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians.
“My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.
“We are ready to work fast to end the war, and the first stages could be the release of prisoners and truce in the sky — ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure — and truce in the sea immediately, if Russia will do the same.
“Then we want to move very fast through all next stages and to work with the US to agree a strong final deal. We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. And we remember the moment when things changed when President Trump provided Ukraine with Javelins. We are grateful for this."
He continued: “Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be. It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive.
“Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it in any time and in any convenient format. We see this agreement as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees, and I truly hope it will work effectively.”
Stopping military aid to Ukraine, A White House official anonymously revealed to Sky News: "President [Trump] has been clear that he is focused on peace.
"We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that is contributing to a solution."
It comes after Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the move the "best contribution to the cause of peace."
"If this is true, then this is a decision that can really encourage the Kyiv regime to (come to) the peace process," Peskov said via Reuters.
"It is obvious that the United States has been the main supplier of this war so far. If the United States stops being (an arms supplier) or suspends these supplies, it will probably be the best contribution to the cause of peace."
Peskov previously addressed the Trump administration’s shifting foreign policy, noting its alignment with Russia’s vision.
"The new administration is rapidly changing all foreign policy configurations," he said in an interview with Russian state media. "This largely coincides with our vision."
He also suggested that if Trump and Putin maintain their "political will", diplomatic progress could be made swiftly.
Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, praised Trump’s stance on Ukraine, calling it an example of "common sense".
us3 min(s) read
Published 15:54 20 Oct 2025 GMT
A dramatic confrontation between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy has erupted into the spotlight following a fiery and reportedly expletive-laden meeting at the White House.
The sit-down, held on Friday (17 October), was meant to foster progress toward ending the ongoing war in Ukraine—but quickly descended into chaos.
According to reports from the Financial Times, the meeting turned into a shouting match when Trump urged Zelenskyy to concede to Vladimir Putin’s sweeping demands, including the surrender of the entire Donbas region. Zelenskyy, standing firm, refused.
As tensions rose, Trump allegedly became visibly frustrated, tossing aside maps and declaring: “This red line, I don’t even know where this is. I’ve never been there," per the Financial Times.
He then warned: “Putin will destroy you” if Ukraine didn’t accept the proposed peace terms.
Zelenskyy pushed back, saying: “Putin doesn’t want peace, that’s why we need pressure on him.”
The heated exchange unfolded in full view of the press, with tempers flaring even further behind closed doors.
Trump: “You have to be thankful... you’re buried there”
As reported by the Daily Mail, a hot mic previously captured additional moments from the encounter.
Trump reportedly criticized Zelenskyy over a lack of gratitude for past U.S. aid and took a hard stance on future support.
“You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there. Your people are dying. You’re running low on soldiers,” Trump told the Ukrainian president.
He then delivered an ultimatum: “You're either gonna make a deal or we're out. And if we're out, you'll fight it out.”
Following the confrontational meeting, Trump took to Truth Social to publicly air his stance:
“Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts. They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!”
He later added: “I don’t want advantage, I want peace. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
In the immediate aftermath, the Trump administration announced a complete freeze on military aid to Ukraine, halting shipments of advanced weaponry that had not yet arrived in the country.
A White House official confirmed the move: “The president has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution.”
world3 min(s) read
Published 09:16 10 Aug 2025 GMT
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a warning to Donald Trump as the US President prepares for a meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Set for Friday, August 15, the Alaska meeting will be the first between a sitting U.S. president and the Russian leader since Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva in 2021 — nine months before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as reported by the BBC.
Trump announced the upcoming talks on Truth Social, calling it “the highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia.”
While Trump has hinted at the possibility of a trilateral meeting including Zelenskyy, that remains uncertain.
For now, it’s a Trump-Putin summit — reportedly at Putin’s request — and the Kremlin has repeatedly avoided direct talks with Kyiv since the war began.
One of Trump’s most contentious suggestions is that a peace deal could involve “some swapping of territories” to reach an agreement — an idea Kyiv has flatly rejected.
CBS News reports the White House has been trying to convince European leaders to back a plan that would allow Russia to keep Crimea, annexed in 2014, as well as take full control of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.
Under the same proposal, Russia would reportedly give up claims to Kherson and Zaporizhzhia — though both remain partly under Russian military control.
Zelenskyy dismissed the notion outright on Telegram: “The answer to Ukraine’s territorial question is already in the constitution of Ukraine. No one will and no one can deviate from it. Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier.
"Any solutions that are without Ukraine, are at the same time, solutions against peace. They will not bring anything. These are dead solutions, they will never work.”
He also accused Moscow of trying to frame such swaps as mutual exchanges when in reality they would only strengthen Russia’s position to “resume the war.”
In a rare joint statement, the leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission stressed that “international borders must not be changed by force” and vowed to continue supporting Ukraine “diplomatically, militarily, and financially,” per BBC News.
“Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny,” the statement read, emphasizing that any settlement must protect both Ukraine’s sovereignty and Europe’s security.
French President Emmanuel Macron went further, warning on X that “Europeans will also necessarily be part of the solution, as their own security is at stake.”
Zelenskyy publicly thanked his allies on Sunday: “The end of the war must be fair, and I am grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine and our people today for the sake of peace in Ukraine, which is defending the vital security interests of our European nations.”
world news3 min(s) read
Published 10:05 13 Aug 2025 GMT
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his unwavering stance against ceding any Ukrainian territory to Russia, just days before Donald Trump is set to meet with Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing war. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, August 15, in Alaska, is expected to focus on finding a resolution to the conflict, which has now entered its third year.
Trump, who has repeatedly called for an end to hostilities between Ukraine and Russia, has expressed frustration over the Kremlin’s reluctance to engage in meaningful negotiations.
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In the past, he has suggested imposing tougher sanctions on Russia and introducing secondary tariffs targeting countries that continue to buy Russian oil if Putin fails to make progress toward a settlement. Despite tensions, Trump remains hopeful that his upcoming talks with the Russian leader could yield a breakthrough.
However, fears remain that any failure to reach an agreement could see the war escalate further, with the potential to destabilize the region and spark a wider global conflict, ITV reports.
Speaking to reporters on August 12, Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine would not withdraw from any of its remaining territories in the eastern Donbas region, which Russia still partially occupies. The Kremlin has reportedly demanded such a withdrawal as part of a potential ceasefire deal.
Zelenskyy firmly rejected the proposal, calling the idea unacceptable and dangerous. “We will not leave Donbas. We cannot do this. Everyone forgets the first part; our territories are illegally occupied,” he said, via The Guardian. “Donbas for the Russians is a springboard for a future new offensive.”
The Ukrainian president also stressed that giving up any territory would only embolden Moscow and create opportunities for future aggression. His comments come in direct contrast to Trump’s earlier suggestion that a peace deal might involve “some swapping of territories.”
In a message posted to Telegram on August 9, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine’s position is non-negotiable. “The answer to Ukraine’s territorial question is already in the constitution of Ukraine. No one will and no one can deviate from it. Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier,” he wrote. He went on to warn that any solutions that excluded Ukraine’s participation would be “solutions against peace” and ultimately unworkable. “They will not bring anything. These are dead solutions, they will never work,” he said.
While early reports suggested Trump was considering inviting Zelenskyy to participate in the Alaska talks, the White House has confirmed the event remains a bilateral Trump-Putin summit for now, according to NBC News.
A White House official explained: “The President remains open to a trilateral summit with both leaders. Right now, the White House is focusing on planning the bilateral meeting requested by President Putin.”
As the Alaska meeting approaches, the world will be watching closely to see whether Trump can persuade Putin to make concessions, or whether Zelenskyy’s hardline position will clash with any compromises discussed behind closed doors.
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