The US is considering a “territorial exchange” between Ukraine and Russia as part of the peace process, but Ukrainians oppose relinquishing their land.

During a briefing at the White House, US President Donald Trump said that in a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, “some exchange of territories” should be expected. President Zelenskyy responded by emphasizing that Ukraine would not make territorial concessions during negotiations with Russia.

“The answer to the Ukrainian territorial issue is already in the Constitution of Ukraine. Ukrainians will not give up their land to the occupier”, the president stated.

Zelensky added that Ukraine is open to real solutions that can bring peace. However, any solutions that undermine Ukraine or exclude Ukraine from the process are in opposition to peace. The president also mentioned that Russia is promoting the idea of an “exchange” of Ukrainian territory, which he fears could lead to Russian plans to continue the conflict to achieve more favorable conditions. Zelenskyy’s stance might upset Trump and could be seen as a reluctance to reach a long-term peace agreement. Analysts warn that ceding the Luhansk and Donetsk regions would mean Ukraine abandoning areas that Russia could potentially use as a launchpad for renewed hostilities. Doing so would also mean that Ukraine would surrender its heavily fortified defensive line in northern Donetsk, which has so far held against continued Russian attack.

Additionally, as a consequence of Zelenskyy’s position, the US might halt intelligence and military aid to Ukraine and withdraw from the diplomatic negotiations altogether.