Zelenskyy rejects any concessions on leaving Crimea to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected the idea of making any concessions regarding Crimea, even under external pressure, stating that the territory remains an inseparable part of Ukraine.

“Our position cannot contradict the Constitution of Ukraine. We cannot give anything up—this is not mine to give, it is the property of the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy said. He emphasized that the territories currently under Russian occupation, including Crimea, are considered “temporarily occupied” and will never be recognized as part of Russia.

Speaking about the situation in Crimea, Zelenskyy pointed to the forced displacement of Ukrainians, including journalists and public figures, to Russia, where they were coerced into participating in what he called a “pseudo-referendum” under threat. “No one recognizes it. This was a violent Russian occupation of our Crimean peninsula,” he stressed.

Zelenskyy also responded to recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who told Time magazine, “Crimea will stay with Russia.” While Zelenskyy agreed that Ukraine lacks sufficient weapons to militarily reclaim Crimea at the moment, he underlined that the solution lies in international pressure. “Sanctions, economic and diplomatic pressure are powerful tools for addressing territorial issues—but only after a full, unconditional ceasefire,” he stated.

The Ukrainian president reaffirmed his government’s openness to dialogue, noting, “We are ready for discussions in any format, with any person, at any time—only after a real signal from Russia that they are ready to end the war. That signal must be a full and unconditional ceasefire.”