Zelenskyy Vows No Territorial Concessions to Russia; Unveils Peace Plan to U.S.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed that Ukraine will not cede any of its territory to Russia. During an online press briefing, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s constitution and international law do not permit any territorial concessions. He made these statements following discussions with European leaders in London.
Zelenskyy’s Strong Stance Against Territorial Concessions
Zelenskyy firmly rejected any proposals that would require Ukraine to give up parts of its land, particularly the Donbas region, which comprises about 20% of Ukraine’s territory. “Russia demands we relinquish territories, but we refuse to cede anything,” he stated. This underscores Ukraine’s commitment to sovereignty amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
Plans to End the War
Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has developed components of a peace plan, which he intends to present to the U.S. government. He noted that discussions regarding the U.S.-proposed peace initiative have stalled, highlighting that the idea of ceding the Donbas region remains a major hurdle in negotiations.
- Key Points from Zelenskyy’s Press Conference:
- No territorial concessions to Russia are acceptable.
- Ukraine’s sovereignty is protected by constitutional and international law.
- A revised peace plan is ready to be shared with U.S. officials.
Collaborations with European Leaders
In London, Zelenskyy engaged in discussions with key European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. These talks are vital as Ukraine seeks to navigate the complexities of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Response from U.S. Officials
Zelenskyy expressed a willingness to travel to the U.S. for further discussions with President Donald Trump, who has previously indicated that Ukraine needs to make concessions. Trump remarked on the ongoing conflict, asserting that Russia has the advantage in the situation and criticized European leaders for their response to the war.
“Europe is not doing a good job. They talk too much and do not produce results,” Trump stated in an interview, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action regarding the war in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy is expected to submit the proposed peace plan to Washington imminently, paving the way for continued dialogue aimed at ending the conflict with Russia.