Trump confirmed that on Friday, August 15, his conversation with the Russian leader in Alaska would take place. During his interview with journalists, he suggested that the exchange of territories may be agreed during the discussions.
– We are looking at the issue of territories that have been fighting for 3 and a half years. Many Russians died, many Ukrainians died. So that's what we're considering (change of territories - ed.), but what we truly want is to get any of them back and make an exchange. It's complicated. In fact, it's not easy (...) We're going to replace parts of the territories to improve the situation of both parties," he said.
Statement by 7 European leaders
On the night of Saturday for Sunday, an entry appeared on Prime Minister Donald Tusk's profile containing a joint message by the leaders of six European countries regarding peace in Ukraine and a planned Trump gathering with Putin.
The paper was signed by: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, EC president Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Finnish president Alexander Stubb.
As we read, they welcome Donald Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine. "We are convinced that only an approach combining active diplomacy, support for Ukraine and exerting force on the Russian Federation to end its illegal war can prove effective" - was stated.
They besides declared their willingness to support the actions leading to this both diplomatically, "and by maintaining our crucial military and financial support for Ukraine, including in the context of the actions undertaken in the framework of the willing coalition, as well as by maintaining and imposing restrictive measures against the Russian Federation".
European leaders emphasise the belief that a possible diplomatic solution must guarantee the protection of vital safety interests in Ukraine and Europe.
A firm message
"We agree that these key interests include the request for robust and reliable safety guarantees that will enable Ukraine to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity," we read further.
It was stressed that Ukraine has "the freedom to choose its own way". The leaders besides referred to Trump's proposition regarding possible replacement of territories:
"Serious negotiations can only take place under conditions of ceasefire or restrictions of war. The road to peace in Ukraine cannot be set without Ukrainian participation. We stay faithful to the rule that global borders cannot be changed by force. The current contact line should be the starting point for negotiations".
"We reiterate the message that Russia's unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine constitutes a gross violation of the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the Budapest Memorandum and subsequent commitments made by Russia. We emphasise our unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independency and territorial integrity," they stressed.
Finally, they stressed that they stay firmly on the side of Ukraine. "We are united as Europeans and determined to advance our interests together. We will proceed to work closely with president Trump and the United States of America and with president Zelenski and the Ukrainian people to guarantee peace in Ukraine, which will defend our vital safety interests," we read.
Let us remind that Volodymyr Zelenski sent a strong message after Trump's words about territorial concessions from Ukraine. “The Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier,” said president Volodymyr Zelenski in a video from Kiev.
– The answer to questions concerning the territory of Ukraine is in the Constitution of Ukraine. No 1 will quit and no 1 can give up," he said.
