Zelenskyy: Ukraine backs swift end to war but rejects territorial concessions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday said Kyiv supports a rapid end to the war but will not agree to give up any part of its territory.

Zelenskyy made the remarks while commenting on reports that the United States may be aiming to end the war by July 4, the 250th anniversary of US independence.

“Regarding 4 July, whether the United States or President Trump wants the war to end, I can only support such a position if the US President has indeed stated this. This is new information for me,” Zelenskyy said.

He noted that the negotiation process remains dynamic and the situation is changing quickly. According to the Ukrainian leader, discussions on the possibility of ending the war swiftly were held during meetings in Abu Dhabi and Switzerland between Ukrainian and US officials.

Zelenskyy stressed that while Ukraine consistently supports accelerated solutions, including fast-tracking its European Union integration and ending the war, there is a clear red line.

“Ukraine has always supported quick decisions… however, this does not mean we will give up part of our territory,” he said.