• President Zelensky insists Ukraine has no legal or moral right to cede land to Russia.
• U.S. President Trump pressures Zelensky to consider the proposed land cessions.
• Zelensky rallies European support, emphasizing security guarantees amid ongoing negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his strong refusal to cede any territory to Russia, countering pressure from U.S. diplomats about potential concessions amidst ongoing talks to end the nearly four-year invasion. "According to Ukrainian law, our constitution, and international law, we don't have such right... we don't have a moral right either," he stated during an online press conference, emphasizing Kyiv's commitment to its territorial integrity, according to lemonde and latimes.

In recent meetings with European leaders in London, Zelensky discussed the ongoing conflict and stressed that "Russia is insisting that we give up territories but we don’t want to cede anything." This sentiment was echoed by various European allies who expressed skepticism about parts of U.S. proposals, particularly regarding the cession of land in the Donbas region, which Russia occupies illegally, as noted in reports from scmp and latimes.

Zelensky's interactions in London involved discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. All leaders underscored the importance of establishing strong security guarantees for Ukraine. Macron emphasized preparations for robust security measures, while Merz articulated his skepticism regarding certain aspects of the U.S. proposal, revealing a nuanced support framework for Ukraine, according to scmp and latimes.

As Zelensky continues his diplomatic efforts, he faced renewed criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged him to consider the U.S. proposal which suggests potential land concessions. Trump characterized the military situation as one where "size will win" and voiced disappointment over Zelensky's reported lack of engagement with the proposal. This pressure comes amid escalating discussions that have previously stalled, as outlined in coverage from scmp and latimes.

After the London meetings, Zelensky expressed optimism about his ongoing discussions with NATO and EU leaders in Brussels. He noted, "Our positions have been aligned on all issues. We are acting in a coordinated and constructive manner," signifying a united front against Russian aggression, according to reports from lemonde and latimes.