Europe rallies around Ukraine as Zelensky rejects Trump's plan for 'land swaps'

European leaders backed Volodymyr Zelensky's refusal to give up parts of Ukraine to Putin to end the war with Russia.

Donald Trump suggested some land "swaps" would be a key feature of a peace deal he'll discuss with the Russian dictator on Friday in Alaska.

But President Zelensky angrily rejected the idea that Ukraine should give up any territory to an illegal aggressor.

And he said any plan for lasting peace must include Ukraine in the negotiations.

Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron rowed in behind him - along with other European allies.

This afternoon, Ukraine's national security advisor met with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Vice President JD Vance at Chevening in Kent.

After hours of talks - reportedly arranged quickly and at the White House's request - there was no sign of a joint statement of agreement.

Writing on X following the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the talks had been "constructive", and that he supported Donald Trump's aim of a full ceasefire.

But in what will be seen as a message to President Trump, Mr Zelensky said: "There must be a just end to the war, and it is Russia that must end the war it started. Ukraine and all partners share the same understanding of the need for a ceasefire, for an end to the killings.

"There is only one actor opposing this - Putin."

Echoing Trump's berating of him for not having "the cards" in the Oval Office in February, Zelensky added: "His only card is the ability to kill, and he is trying to sell the cessation of killings at the highest possible price. It is important that this does not mislead anyone."

Mr Starmer spoke to Mr Zelensky this morning and President Emmanuel Macron of France this afternoon.

Downing Street said he and President Macron reiterated their support for Ukraine and to "securing a just and lasting peace for the Ukrainian people."

They added: "They welcomed President Trump's efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine and end Russia's war of aggression, and discussed how to further work closely with President Trump and President Zelenskyy over the coming days."

President Macron said in a post on X before the meetings that he had talked with Zelenskyy, Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and that they "remain determined to support Ukraine."

"Ukraine's future cannot be decided without the Ukrainians. … Europeans will also necessarily be part of the solution, as their own security is at stake," he said.

Earlier Keir Starmer offered Ukraine his "unwavering support" in a phone call with President Zelensky.

President Trump last night announced plans to meet Russia 's dictator in Alaska on Friday, following "highly productive" talks between Steve Witkoff, Trump's ambassador and Putin. But last night Trump suggested part of the deal would demand Ukraine give up land to Russia.

Mr Zelensky angrily ruled that out - and said any deal drawn up without Ukraine's input would be a non-starter.

"Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier," Mr Zelensky said. "Any decisions made against us, any decisions made without Ukraine, are at the same time decisions against peace," he added. They will bring nothing. These are dead decisions; they will never work."

Meanwhile, it's understood Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Vice President JD Vance will welcome European and US officials at a meeting at Chevening today to discuss the peace deal.

Keir Starmer spoke to Volodymyr Zelensky this morning, and offered his "unwavering support."

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine this morning.

“They looked ahead to the meeting of National Security Advisers from Europe, Ukraine and the United States taking place today, hosted by the UK Foreign Secretary and US Vice President.

“They agreed this would be a vital forum to discuss progress towards securing a just and lasting peace.

“Both leaders welcomed President Trump’s desire to bring this barbaric war to an end and agreed that we must keep up the pressure on Putin to end his illegal war.

“The Prime Minister ended the call by reiterating his unwavering support for Ukraine and its people.”

The row leaves European leaders at risk of angering Trump if they continue to stand squarely behind Ukraine.

Earlier, Donald Trump said "land swaps" would be on the agenda at Friday's talks.

"We're going to get some back, and we're going to get some switched," he said during a White House event.

"There'll be some swapping of territories to the betterment of both."

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Mr Zelensky said Ukraine was "ready, together with President Trump and with all our partners, to work for a real and, most importantly, lasting peace - a peace that will not fall apart because of Moscow's desires."

Exasperated that Putin did not heed his calls to stop bombing Ukrainian cities, Trump, almost two weeks ago, moved up his ultimatum to impose additional sanctions on Russia and introduce secondary tariffs targeting countries that buy Russian oil if the Kremlin did not move toward a settlement.

He said last week he would impose 25% tariffs on India, who continue to trade with Russia.

But since the deadline's expiry last night no additional sanctions have been put into effect.