U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that both Ukraine and Russia will need to cede territory to each other as part of a potential peace deal to end the ongoing war. Speaking ahead of his planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, Trump indicated that the talks would serve as a “feel-out” session to test Putin’s willingness to negotiate.

The proposal has sparked sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who reiterated that Ukraine’s constitution forbids giving away any territory. He warned that any decision made without Ukraine’s participation would be unacceptable and ineffective.

European leaders have also voiced strong opposition to any arrangement that sidelines Ukraine in determining its future. In a joint statement, 26 European heads of state and government insisted that peace must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and Europe’s security, and stressed that Ukrainians alone should decide the country’s path. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced work on a 19th sanctions package against Russia, warning against making concessions before an unconditional ceasefire is reached.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope that Zelenskiy would take part in the Alaska summit, cautioning that peace terms should not be decided between the United States and Russia over the heads of Europeans and Ukrainians.

The debate comes as Russia intensifies military operations in eastern Ukraine, launching a major ground offensive near Dobropillia on August 11 in an attempt to bypass fortified Ukrainian defenses. The Alaska summit will mark the first U.S.–Russia meeting on American soil since 1988 and is expected to be closely watched by Kyiv, European capitals, and global observers for any signs of progress toward ending the conflict.