Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies are preparing to present their terms for talks with Moscow ahead of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, ruling out any agreement that Kiev says could jeopardize the country's independence.
Ukraine's main demands include:
- A permanent ceasefire before any territorial changes are discussed—Kyiv rejects proposals for "territorial swaps" and says border changes contradict international law and the constitution. Zelensky stresses that the handover of Donbass would pave the way for a new offensive.
- Russia's financial responsibility: Ukraine is demanding that Moscow compensate for damages worth an estimated €500 billion, while keeping frozen Russian assets.
- Absolute security guarantees - Kyiv sees membership in NATO and the EU as its only long-term defense, but rejects Russian demands for troop reductions or a halt to arms supplies.
- Return of prisoners of war and children - Ukraine demands the return of about 20,000 illegally transferred children and all prisoners of war, emphasizing that the issue of children is a war crime.
- Maintaining and tightening sanctions - Kyiv warns that the easing of sanctions by the US or Europe will allow Russia to restore its military potential and attack.
Zelensky emphasized: "Any decision that is made without Ukraine is a decision not for peace, but for war."
