Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday at the White House, bringing with him a firm stance that may complicate any potential peace agreement with Russia. Zelensky made it clear during a press conference in Brussels that Ukraine will not agree to surrender any territory not currently under Russian control, citing Ukraine’s constitution, which forbids such concessions.

Alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will accompany him to Washington, Zelensky reiterated that real negotiations must take place and that Ukraine must be fully informed of Russia’s demands before any deal can move forward. He emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to capture parts of eastern Ukraine despite trying since 2014, reinforcing Kyiv’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity.

Trump is reportedly pushing for a formal peace deal rather than a temporary ceasefire. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that while a ceasefire is “not off the table,” it would require agreement from both sides—something Russia has not yet agreed to. Rubio also dismissed the idea that additional sanctions on Russia would force Moscow to accept a ceasefire, pointing out that existing sanctions are already severe.

Trump, returning from a recent summit with Putin in Alaska, confirmed that all parties agreed a full peace agreement is preferable to a ceasefire. He posted on Truth Social that a ceasefire often doesn’t last, whereas a peace agreement could bring lasting stability.

Zelensky, in a post on X, expressed openness to a trilateral meeting between Trump, Putin, and himself. He acknowledged Trump’s briefing on the summit with Putin and welcomed America’s leadership in shaping future negotiations.

The stakes remain high as the White House prepares for Monday’s critical discussions, which could determine the next phase of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.