Zelensky rules out ceding land to Russia, refusing to bow to Putin or Trump

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out ceding any territory to Russia, rejecting a central demand embedded in Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan
• After talks in London with leaders of the U.K., France and Germany, he stated that Ukraine “has no right” — legally or morally — to surrender land, effectively stalling the U.S.-backed proposal

🔭 The context: Trump’s envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have shaped a plan widely seen by Europeans as tilting toward Moscow, including provisions that could legitimize Russia’s claims over Donbas
• Kyiv and EU capitals have been working to strip out unacceptable terms
• The pressure comes as Russia steps up assaults on energy grids and medical infrastructure and as Kyiv faces internal turbulence from a widening corruption scandal

🌍 Why it matters: Territorial concessions would erode the international norm against conquest, undermining global security frameworks that also underpin climate cooperation
• A coerced settlement risks entrenching instability, prolonging environmentally destructive warfare, and weakening Europe’s capacity to coordinate on energy transition and resilience

⏭️ What’s next: Zelensky is pushing Europe and NATO for coordinated guarantees, tougher sanctions architecture, and mechanisms to prevent Russian cheating on any ceasefire
• The fate of Trump’s proposal now hinges on whether Washington adjusts its position or continues to press Kyiv to compromise

💬 One quote: “We have no right to give anything away.” — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

📈 One stat: Russia claims to have annexed five Ukrainian regions since 2014, far beyond what its forces currently occupy

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