Ukrainian President Zelenskyy asserts Ukrainians will not relinquish their territory to an occupier in reference to the upcoming summit between Trump and Putin.
Ukraine-Russia Peace Negotiations Remain Stalled Amidst Ongoing Tensions
Peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia continue to be a contentious issue, with major disagreements especially over territorial disputes and security guarantees. As of mid-August 2025, the war raging on Ukrainian land shows no signs of abating.
Ukraine is adamant about not ceding its lands to the occupier, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that any decision without Ukraine is a decision against peace. Russia, under President Putin, continues to demand significant territorial concessions from Ukraine as a precondition for peace talks, but Kyiv strongly rejects any territorial losses.
The Ukrainian president has demanded direct involvement and control over territorial decisions, and has outlined five key demands: no peace talks without a ceasefire, Ukraine’s involvement and leadership in the talks, starting discussions from current front lines, solid security guarantees including U.S. participation, and intensified sanctions on Russia if negotiations fail.
Recent diplomatic efforts have included a planned summit in Alaska in August 2025 between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Ukraine is notably excluded from this meeting, raising concerns about the legitimacy and durability of any agreement reached without Kyiv’s direct participation.
Trump has indicated U.S. willingness to facilitate substantive negotiations and hinted at the possibility of returning some territories to Ukraine during the peace process, but also warns of “very severe consequences” if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire. Moscow, on the other hand, has made demands that include the ceding of four partially occupied regions (Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson), as well as Crimea, and that Ukraine renounce Western arms supplies and any NATO membership.
The large-scale Russian offensive against Ukraine has caused at least tens of thousands of deaths on both sides and has resulted in immense destruction. In response, tariffs have been imposed on countries like India and Brazil for their purchase of Russian oil. Kiev wants the withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory and Western security guarantees, including the continuation of arms supplies and the deployment of an European contingent.
Despite the ongoing conflict, progress has been made in the exchange of thousands of prisoners from both sides. Zelenskyy is willing to cooperate with U.S. President Donald Trump and all partners to achieve a real and lasting peace. However, no progress was made on the ceasefire, which remains a crucial requirement for any meaningful negotiations.
The Ukrainian leader believes in the strength of the Ukrainian people and their ability to defend what belongs to them. Zelenskyy has pointed out that Putin "took the desperate decision to try to take Ukraine," a "big mistake." The war continues to rage on, with ongoing fighting and Russian attacks undermining prospects for immediate peace. These dynamics suggest the peace process remains fragile with significant obstacles to resolution in place.
- Despite ongoing peace negotiations, the war-and-conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, particularly over territorial disputes, seem to obstruct any meaningful progress, as both sides hold firm to their respective demands.
- Politics surrounding the Ukraine-Russia conflict remain contentious, with the general news often reporting on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for direct involvement and control over territorial decisions, while President Putin continues to demand significant territorial concessions.
