Downing Street has warned Donald Trump that Ukraine must not be forced to give up any of its land to end its war with Russia. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's (Labour) official spokesman spoke out as the US president prepares to hold peace talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, as the Guardian reports.
Trump has faced criticism for not inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the negotiations. That has raised fears Ukraine could be told to give up Russian-occupied land to end the war.
Territory swap controversy
Trump has suggested "some swapping of territories" as part of any peace deal. The No.10 spokesman insisted any agreement without Ukrainian approval would be unacceptable, stating: "Any peace must be secured with Ukraine, not imposed on it. The prime minister has been very clear that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine."
The spokesman continued: "We welcome President Trump's work to stop the killing and achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, but Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny. There can be no reward for aggression. There can be no compromise on Ukraine sovereignty."
Ukrainian and European response
Responding to Trump's suggestion that Ukraine may have to give up some of its land, Zelenskyy said: "Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupiers." European leaders issued a joint statement over the weekend stressing their ongoing support for Ukraine, as HuffPost UK reports.
The statement from Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland and the European Commission declared: "Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny. Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force."
Diplomatic coordination efforts
The UK played a leading role in weekend diplomacy to coordinate European responses ahead of Friday's summit, as the Guardian reports. EU foreign ministers are meeting on Monday following talks among security advisors over the weekend, according to the Independent.
NATO's Secretary General drew historical parallels to the Baltic states during Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1991, noting that territorial control doesn't equal legal recognition, the Independent confirmed. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham participated in weekend discussions about potential land swaps and security guarantees, the Guardian said.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Guardian", "Independent", "HuffPost UK" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
