Ukraine rejects land swap in ceasefire talks

Zelenskyy rejects any deal trading territory while European leaders push Kyiv to participate in talks

Ukraine rejects land swap in ceasefire talks as Europe backs Kyiv

Russia has proposed a ceasefire that would swap Donetsk and Luhansk for an end to fighting. A counterproposal from Ukraine and European officials was presented to Washington after a meeting in the United Kingdom. The document keeps Kyiv at the heart of talks and calls for a ceasefire before any further steps. Zelenskyy said Ukraine will not trade land for peace and that the country must be at the negotiating table for any durable accord. European leaders echoed that stance, stressing Ukraine must have a voice in shaping any settlement.

Separately, discussions involved US officials in the UK setting the stage for wider diplomacy. In the meantime, President Trump floated the idea of territory swaps, a sign that the peace talk terrain remains unsettled. In the conflict zones, civilians keep paying the price as drone and missile strikes continue. Ukraine's air force intercepted 16 of 47 drones overnight and reported 31 drones hitting 15 locations, with one missile shot down. In Kherson, two people died and 16 were wounded when a Russian drone hit a minibus. In Zaporizhzhia, two people died after a drone struck their car. In Kharkiv, a drone hit a furniture store, injuring five people including a 17 year old girl and three women were hospitalized with shrapnel injuries. Russia says its air defences shot down Ukrainian drones over Russia and the Black Sea, highlighting a costly stalemate on multiple fronts.

Kyiv’s stance shows a clear demand for a peace process that keeps Ukraine in the lead and preserves its sovereignty. The support from leaders like Macron and Sánchez signals strong political cover in Europe, which can help Kyiv push back against any bargain that weakens its territorial integrity. Yet the situation remains fragile because diplomacy hinges on both sides agreeing to credible terms and enforcement. The dynamic also tests international unity as the conflict drags on and markets and donors weigh the costs of prolonged support.

The moment also exposes political fragility around peace talk tactics. If high level talks stall or lead to concessions, domestic critics in Ukraine and among European publics could pressure leaders to reset priorities, including defense funding and economic aid. In short, any path to a durable settlement must prove it can protect sovereignty while delivering tangible security guarantees.

Highlights

Diplomacy tests the appetite for durable peace as the front lines stay active.