Zelenskyy Declares Ukraine Will Not Cede Unoccupied Territory

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy affirmed on Sunday that Ukraine is open to discussing territorial changes as part of a peace agreement, but will not relinquish any land that Russian forces have not yet occupied. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels alongside Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for “real negotiations” to resolve the ongoing conflict, stating, “The contact line is the best line for talking.”

Zelenskyy is set to travel to Washington for discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. He remarked that Russia has failed to gain control over the Donetsk region of Eastern Ukraine, which has been a focal point of conflict since 2014. “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,” Zelenskyy noted.

In recent reports by The New York Times, it was revealed that Trump suggested European leaders could consider peace negotiations if Ukraine were willing to concede territory in the east. Significant areas of the Donetsk region, such as the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, have resisted complete Russian takeover amid the ongoing invasion.

Zelenskyy expressed openness to direct negotiations with Putin, indicating that such discussions should be facilitated by the United States. He stated, “Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at the trilateral meeting of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.” He further warned that if Russia continues to reject this trilateral format, it should face new sanctions.

Last week, POLITICO reported that any discussions on territorial exchanges by Kyiv would depend on Russia first agreeing to and maintaining a ceasefire, which Moscow has yet to commit to. As Zelenskyy heads to Washington, he will be accompanied by top European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for further talks.

In addition, Zelenskyy criticized the growing speculation regarding the European Union’s potential advancement of Moldova‘s application to join the bloc, particularly as Hungary continues to impede Ukraine’s accession. He expressed concern that separating the paths of Ukraine and Moldova would send a detrimental message. “There can be no division between Ukraine and Moldova. That would simply be a very bad move to my mind,” he stated. “If such a division takes place, it will automatically mean that Europe is divided on Ukraine.”

Zelenskyy’s comments reflect Ukraine’s firm stance on its territorial integrity while navigating complex international relations and ongoing hostilities with Russia.