Zelenskyy on peace talks: Ukraine cannot simply give up its territories

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine cannot simply give up its territories as part of a peace settlement with Russia, as this would contradict Ukrainian law, public opinion and the realities on the ground.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with Fox News, as reported by Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne

Details: Zelenskyy said the issue of territory is the most difficult aspect of talks to end the war and remains the only point where the positions of Ukraine and Russia differ fundamentally.

Quote: "We can't just withdraw. It's out of our law. We can't just withdraw from our territories. It's not only the law. People live there [...] and also our army is there."

Details: Zelenskyy noted that around 300,000 people live in these areas, many of whom have been affected by the fighting. He said hundreds have been wounded and dozens killed, which is why the territorial issue cannot be treated formally or viewed purely as a political matter.

He also confirmed that the 20-point peace plan has been agreed by about 90%. Only two points remain unresolved, with the territorial issue being the key one.

Quote: "When I said 90%, it's true. [...] I think we have a problem with one question. It's about territories. [...] We have different views with Russians. This is important, not with Americans, with Russians."

Details: Zelenskyy added that the United States understands the positions of all sides and is trying to find compromise solutions. According to the president, Ukraine has demonstrated concrete steps over the past month aimed at advancing the peace process.

Commenting on the possibility of a referendum on territorial concessions, Zelenskyy said such a move would not produce a positive outcome and would not be supported by Ukrainian society.

Quote: "The worst way is to go out from Donbas. It will be a big risk for Ukraine, not acceptable by Ukrainians, by me personally, and the referendum will not be positive."

Details: Zelenskyy also noted that approval of the peace plan would represent a major political success for US President Donald Trump, as the negotiation process is taking place under his leadership.

He also responded to remarks relayed by Trump from Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who allegedly said he "wants to see Ukraine succeed". Zelenskyy believes Putin is using such statements to try to avoid US sanctions.

Background: Zelenskyy and Trump were unable to resolve the issue of Donbas during their talks on 29 December.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia's condition for halting hostilities is Ukraine's complete withdrawal of its armed forces beyond Donbas.

Background:

• The meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump began on Sunday 29 December at the US president's private residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
• Zelenskyy said the two leaders would agree on the sequence in which the points of the peace agreement would be implemented.
• Trump said he would call Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin after his meeting with Zelenskyy.
• The meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump concluded late in the evening (Kyiv time), followed by a video conference between the two presidents and European leaders.

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