Zelenskyy on negotiations with Russia: Ukraine won’t cede territory

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stressed that Ukraine’s compromise in talks with Russia is limited to engaging in dialogue, and Kyiv will not relinquish any additional territory to the occupier.

“We stand where we stand - and that is a major compromise. Russia has seized nearly 20% of our territory, and we are ready to talk about peace based on the principle of ‘we stand where we stand.’ This is a significant compromise,” Zelenskyy said.

The president stressed that Ukraine is open to “real compromises,” but not at the cost of its independence and sovereignty, which he described as essentially Russia’s ultimatums.

“We are ready for genuine compromises, but not compromises that threaten our independence or sovereignty. We are prepared to discuss compromises with partners, including the United States, but not to repeatedly receive ultimatums from Russia. They are the aggressors - everyone has recognized this. Nothing has changed. Many countries, from the Middle East to Asia and beyond, acknowledge that Russia is the aggressor,” Zelenskyy said.

Commenting on Russian proposals, Zelenskyy added: “What compromises are they offering? They say, ‘we are ready not to occupy your other regions.’ But even these words are terrorism. It’s like saying, ‘I won’t kill you - you give me everything.’ This is not a compromise - it is an ultimatum. That is why I stated that Ukraine is ready for compromises that respect our sovereignty, territorial integrity, our army, our people, and our children. But we are not ready for ultimatums.”