Ukrainian President has reaffirmed that any path toward ending must begin with a complete ceasefire and concrete, enforceable security guarantees for Ukraine. Speaking August 13, Zelensky revealed that during talks with U.S. President five shared principles for a potential peace framework had been agreed upon.
“These principles define the negotiation process,” Zelensky stressed. “Any matter involving Ukraine must be discussed directly with Ukraine. We are preparing a trilateral format for future talks.”
The First Step: Ceasefire and Guarantees
The Ukrainian president emphasized that halting hostilities must come before any political or territorial discussions, coupled with robust guarantees to prevent future aggression. According to Zelensky, President Trump expressed support for this approach and signaled Washington’s willingness to actively participate.
Another principle calls for peace talks to be paired with tighter sanctions on Moscow should it refuse to halt its offensive during negotiations—expected to take place in Alaska.
“These are effective principles,” Zelensky said, “but their real value lies in making them work.” “Any question concerning our borders cannot be discussed without our state, our people, the will of our nation, and our Constitution,” he stated.
When pressed by reporters on whether his position had shifted after the recent virtual meeting with Western leaders—particularly regarding Russia’s demand for Ukraine to abandon Donbas in exchange for a truce—Zelensky was clear: “My position has not changed because it is rooted in Ukraine’s Constitution. As long as the Constitution remains unchanged, the position of its guarantor remains unchanged.”
A Day of Intensive Diplomacy
August 13 marked a day of high-level virtual diplomacy. Zelensky participated in three separate online meetings: one with European leaders and Trump before his another between U.S. and European leaders, and finally a “coalition of the willing” session focused on planning post-ceasefire support for Ukraine.
Concerns in Europe and Washington
According to several senior European officials, there is a risk of a deal that could undermine both Ukraine’s and Europe’s security if negotiations are not managed carefully. They stressed the importance of maintaining European unity in such a scenario.
A U.S. source familiar with internal discussions noted that while it is possible Trump might seek a direct agreement with Putin, bypassing Kyiv and Brussels, such a move would likely trigger political and diplomatic fallout with both Ukraine and the EU.
Ukraine Must Be at the Table
Chancellor Merz underlined that any talks in Alaska must focus on “fundamental Ukrainian and European security interests” and confirmed that Germany supports Ukraine’s direct participation in future rounds. He noted that while Ukraine is prepared to discuss territorial issues, the starting point should be the current frontlines.
For Zelensky, these principles are not just a framework for peace—they are a safeguard for Ukraine’s sovereignty. “Without a strong ceasefire and reliable guarantees,” he concluded, “there can be no lasting peace.”
