Zelenskyy says any decision on territories ‘must be just’ and ‘based on will of Ukrainian people’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said any potential solution regarding the country’s territories must be determined by the Ukrainian people, either through elections or a referendum.

Speaking about ongoing peace discussions, Zelenskyy confirmed that the US had proposed creating a so-called “free economic” or “demilitarised” zone in part of Donbas. Under this concept, Ukrainian forces would withdraw from portions of the region, while Russian troops would not enter these areas.

However, Zelenskyy stressed that key questions remain unresolved: who would control this zone, what monitoring mechanism would operate and how security would be guaranteed. He underlined that the suggested model does not currently align with Ukraine’s interests, though dialogue continues and Kyiv is seeking “fair, balanced and secure” solutions.

“The final decision on territories must be just and based on the position of our people,” Zelensky said. “This question must be answered by the Ukrainian people — through elections or a referendum.”

The President added that much now depends on the actions of the Ukrainian army.

“What our military can hold, where they can position themselves, where they can destroy the occupier - all of this influences the entire diplomatic structure”, he said.

The debate over Ukraine’s territorial future has reignited discussion of elections. US President Donald Trump insists that Kyiv should hold a presidential vote even during wartime, arguing that most Ukrainians want a quick agreement with Russia. Zelenskyy responds that he is ready for elections, but they can only take place after legislative changes and with security guarantees.

Meanwhile, work on a peace plan continues on several tracks - between Ukraine and the United States, between the US and Russia and in consultations with European partners. Territorial issues remain the most contentious. Moscow demands a full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas, while Kyiv refuses to cede territory.

According to Financial Times, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is promoting the idea of handing over remaining Ukrainian-controlled areas of Donetsk region to Russia in exchange for “peace”. Ukraine and its European partners warn that such concessions would only pave the way for further aggression by enabling Russia to secure full control of Donbas and advance on major eastern cities.