Zelenskyy Asserts Ukraine Will Not Surrender Unoccupied Land

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it clear that Ukraine will not relinquish any territory that is not currently occupied by Russian forces. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels on Sunday, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for meaningful negotiations to achieve peace amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.

“We need real negotiations,” Zelenskyy stated, adding that talks should commence from the existing front lines. He firmly expressed Ukraine’s position: “The contact line is the best line for talking.” This declaration came as he prepared to travel to Washington for discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump on March 4, 2024.

Zelenskyy pointed out that Russia has been unable to gain control over the Donetsk region since the conflict began in 2014. “Russian President Vladimir Putin has been unable to take it for 12 years, and the constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible to give up territory or trade land,” he added, underscoring the resilience of key cities like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, which have resisted Russian advances.

Reports from The New York Times indicate that Trump has suggested peace could be negotiated if Ukraine considers ceding territory in the east. However, Zelenskyy remains cautious, insisting that any discussions about territorial adjustments must involve direct dialogue between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia.

“Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at the trilateral level involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia,” Zelenskyy stated. He noted that there has been no indication from Russia that such trilateral talks would occur, warning that further sanctions should follow if Russia continues to refuse negotiations.

According to POLITICO, Kyiv’s willingness to discuss territorial exchanges hinges on Russia first agreeing to a ceasefire, a condition Moscow has yet to meet. Zelenskyy’s remarks come as he prepares for further discussions in Washington alongside European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and leaders from France and the UK.

In addition to the war negotiations, Zelenskyy addressed the ongoing speculation regarding Moldova’s application to join the European Union. He criticized the notion that Moldova could advance its application ahead of Ukraine’s, stating, “There can be no division between Ukraine and Moldova. That would simply be a very bad move to my mind.” He emphasized that any division would signal a lack of unity within Europe regarding support for Ukraine.

As Zelenskyy continues his diplomatic efforts, the focus remains on securing a stable peace and ensuring that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is maintained against ongoing Russian aggression.