Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a strong statement on Sunday, emphasizing that ceding territory to Russia is “impossible.” Speaking in Brussels before a scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump, Zelensky reiterated his demand for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate peace talks. His remarks indicate a steadfast refusal to recognize any Russian territorial gains in the ongoing conflict.
“Putin has many demands, but we do not know all of them,” Zelensky said, highlighting the extensive negotiations required to address Russia’s claims. He pointed out that it is unrealistic to engage in such discussions under the threat of continued military action. Therefore, he maintains that “it’s necessary to ceasefire and work quickly on a final deal.”
This stance directly contrasts with Trump’s recent position after his discussions with Putin, where he suggested that resuming peace talks without initial ceasefire conditions might be more beneficial. Zelensky’s comments were made against the backdrop of reports that Putin expected Ukraine to hand over significant parts of the Donbas region, an area that has seen prolonged hostilities.
Importantly, Zelensky underscored the constitutional barriers to relinquishing Ukrainian territory. “The constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible, impossible to give up territory or trade land,” he stated clearly. Yet, he also hinted that there might be room for negotiation on these issues through a direct conversation between Ukrainian and Russian leaders, possibly involving the United States in a trilateral framework.
Backing Zelensky’s call for negotiations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also reiterated the stance that borders should not change through force while affirming that decisions about Ukraine’s territory should be made by its leaders alone.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, sources indicate Moscow might be open to negotiating some concessions regarding the occupied territories of Ukraine, yet details remain unclear. With other European leaders joining Zelensky’s visit to Washington, the unfolding dynamics suggest a critical juncture in the quest for peace.
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