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This is the World In Brief from The Economist.

Our top stories.

Vladimir Zelensky, Ukraine's president, ruled out surrendering territory to Russia and demanded that his country should take part in talks to end the war.

Manuel Macron, France's president, said, Ukraine's future cannot be decided without the Ukrainians.

Earlier, Donald Trump said he would meet Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, in Alaska on

August 15th.

America's president suggested a peace deal would involve some swapping of territories.

Meanwhile, David Lamy, Britain's Foreign Secretary, hosted J.D. Vance, America's vice president, at Chevening, his official country residence.

National security advisors from America, the European Union and Ukraine attended the meeting.

After speaking with Mrs. Zelensky, Secure Stama, Britain's prime minister, said that he and Ukraine's leader both welcomed Mr.

Trump's desire to bring this barbaric war to an end.

...