Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected suggestions that Ukraine should give up any territory to Russia, calling such a move illegal and morally wrong. Speaking to the press, Zelensky said, “Russia may insist we give up territories. We clearly don’t want to give up anything.” He stressed that Ukraine has no legal or moral right, under its constitution or international law, to surrender land.
This comes amid a US-backed peace initiative pushed by former President Donald Trump. The proposal reportedly includes territorial concessions, but Zelensky has yet to consider it. Trump has said that Zelensky has not fully reviewed the plan and needs to respond soon. Kyiv, however, has repeatedly indicated that ceding territory is not an option.
Zelensky is currently visiting Europe to seek support from international partners. He met the Italian Prime Minister in Rome, among other European leaders. During these discussions, European officials emphasized the importance of strong security guarantees for Ukraine and rejected any notion of forced territorial concessions.
The standoff highlights the challenges facing the US-backed peace proposal. Many observers believe the plan favors Russian interests, which makes it unlikely to gain full support in Kyiv. Ukraine’s refusal to compromise on its territorial integrity reflects strong political and public resistance at home. For Zelensky, any peace deal must respect Ukraine’s borders and sovereignty.
European backing suggests that Ukraine is not isolated in this stand. Zelensky is using his diplomatic tour to rally support and seek a “refined” peace framework that protects Ukraine’s interests without giving in to Russia. Analysts say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether a viable peace agreement can be negotiated or whether the conflict will continue with renewed intensity.
As Ukraine remains firm on its red lines, the international community is watching closely. The outcome will shape not only Ukraine’s future but also the broader geopolitical balance in Europe.
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