US Vice President JD Vance and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy held a high-level meeting with security officials to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. This meeting came just before the planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Reports say the US requested the talks between the two world leaders.
Key Figures Attend Talks
Vance and Lammy met with Ukrainian officials and national security advisers from Europe. Lammy strongly affirmed the UK’s firm support for Ukraine. He said, “The UK’s support for Ukraine remains ironclad as we continue working towards a just and lasting peace.” The discussion happened shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly stated he would not give up any Ukrainian territory to Russia.
The world is now closely watching the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska. The security talks took place at Chevening, Lammy’s official residence in Kent, where Vance and his family are currently staying. Among the attendees were Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskyy’s office, and representatives from the UK, US, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, and NATO.
UK and Ukraine Discuss Peace Progress
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on the phone with Zelenskyy. They agreed that the upcoming Alaska summit would be an important opportunity to discuss progress towards peace in Ukraine.
Trump Suggests Territory Swap to End War
Before the meeting with Putin, Trump hinted that Ukraine and Russia might need to “swap territories” to reach peace. On Friday, he said, “There will be some swapping of territories, to the betterment of both.” He added, “You’re looking at territory that’s been fought over for three and a half years, a lot of Russians have died, a lot of Ukrainians have died.”
European Leaders Push Back on Trump’s Remarks
Trump’s suggestion caused concern among European leaders. On Saturday night, leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen released a joint statement. They insisted that Ukraine must be part of any peace talks. “The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine,” the statement said. They stressed, “Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny.”
The leaders also emphasized that “international borders must not be changed by force.” They promised to keep supporting Ukraine with diplomatic, military, and financial aid. This contrasts with Trump’s position, which suggests Ukraine should give up land for peace.
Zelenskyy Firmly Rejects Giving Up Territory
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, while careful not to criticize Trump directly, clearly stated his stance on territory. In a Telegram post, he said, “Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier.” He emphasized that Ukraine must be involved in any peace solution. Zelenskyy added, “We are ready, together with President Trump, together with all partners, to work for a real, and most importantly, lasting peace—a peace that will not collapse because of Moscow’s wishes.”
In his Saturday evening address, Zelenskyy called the UK meeting constructive. He reaffirmed, “The path to peace for Ukraine should be determined together and only together with Ukraine; this is a key principle.”
Moscow’s Position Remains Firm
At the same time, Moscow insists that Kyiv must recognize the Russian occupation of Ukrainian territories. This stands in direct opposition to Ukraine’s demand for sovereignty over its lands.