DUSHANBE, August 13, 2025 – Asia-Plus -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has softened his position ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to The Telegraph.  Zelensky reportedly told European leaders that Ukraine could agree to halt hostilities and cede some territories currently under Russian control.

However, the Ukrainian president clarified that Ukraine would not accept any settlement that would require it to surrender additional territories.  This suggests that Ukraine may be willing to freeze the front lines where they currently stand, effectively conceding control of regions occupied by Russia—namely Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea.  But, Zelensky stressed, any such move would only be made on the condition of secure guarantees, including arms supplies and a pathway to NATO membership.

Earlier, Zelensky had firmly stated that Ukraine would not "give away its land" to Russia.

Russia's demands ahead of talks

Ahead of the meeting between Trump and Putin, which is set to take place in Alaska on August 15, Zelensky expressed skepticism regarding Russia’s intentions.  He stated that there were no signs Russia was prepared to end the war, despite the upcoming peace talks. Instead, Russia was reportedly repositioning its forces for new offensive operations, according to Ukrainian intelligence.

During the talks, President Putin has indicated he would agree to a ceasefire if Ukraine agrees to cede a third of Donetsk, which remains under Ukrainian control.  Additionally, Russia is demanding an end to arms supplies to Ukraine and a formal renouncement of Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.

Growing concerns in Europe

European officials have expressed increasing concern that Trump and Putin may reach an agreement on ending the prolonged conflict without Ukraine's involvement.  According to The Wall Street Journal, if Ukraine were to cede the entirety of Donetsk to Russia, it would expect Russian forces to withdraw from parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions still under occupation.

On August 12, leaders of 26 European Union countries (excluding Hungary) issued a joint statement reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine.  The statement applauded Trump's efforts to bring about a ceasefire and secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity.

“International borders should not be changed by force,” the statement declared.

EU's position on the Alaska summit

Regarding the upcoming US-Russia summit, EU leaders stressed that any path to peace must involve Ukraine’s participation.  They also reiterated the EU’s commitment to providing ongoing political, financial, and military support to Ukraine for its self-defense, and underscored the need for security guarantees for Kyiv.

Trump's upcoming meeting with Putin

On August 11, President Trump stated that he would attempt to regain part of the occupied Ukrainian territories during his meeting with Putin.  Trump suggested that “some territorial exchanges” could take place, although he did not specify the exact areas involved.

“Russia has occupied much of Ukraine.  We will try to return part of that territory to Ukraine,” Trump said.

The August 15 meeting is expected to serve as a “trial session,” with the aim of convincing Russia to end its war in Ukraine.