Ukrainian Position on Territory and Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized on Sunday that Ukraine will not relinquish its territory amid ongoing tensions with Moscow, firmly rejecting any international speculation about negotiations regarding land. “The Ukrainian Constitution prohibits us from abandoning our territories,” he stated during a press conference at the European Commission.

Zelensky pointed out that for 12 years, Russia has attempted to seize control of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, which encompasses Donetsk and Luhansk. This area is crucial for Ukraine’s economy, housing vital coal mines and steel production. “The question of territory is so critical that it should only be discussed directly between Ukraine and Russia, with input from the US,” he noted.

His comments follow a statement from EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen, who remarked that Russia has not shown any intent to engage in a trilateral dialogue regarding Ukraine’s territorial disputes. Von der Leyen underscored that international borders should not be changed through force and insisted that decisions regarding territory must include Ukraine.

Zelensky’s remarks were made in the wake of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump, where Putin outlined terms for ending the conflict, including demands for control over parts of eastern Ukraine. Following that meeting, an advisor to Trump suggested that the situation might pressure Zelensky into concessions, but emphasized that territorial decisions ultimately rest with Ukraine.

Both sides need to agree to some compromises to reach a peace agreement, the advisor stressed, otherwise it could lead to a situation where one side’s demands lead to a form of surrender—a term not likely to resonate well in Ukraine.

Zelensky expressed hope for productive discussions with European allies and Trump, which he hopes will contrast with the more intense exchanges he experienced during a previous visit in February.