Legally impossible: Zelenskyy rules out territorial concessions to Russia
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine will not recognize the temporarily occupied territories as Russian, as it is legally impossible, stated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with CBN.
"If we had more resources, equipment, and the support we’ve requested from our partners, we could advance faster on the front lines. If such resources are insufficient, some issues can be resolved diplomatically, and that’s the right approach," Zelenskyy said.
However, he emphasized that Ukraine would not legally acknowledge the occupied territories as Russian.
"Many people lived there before. They lost their homes, some gave their lives. Many are in captivity, and tens of thousands of children were deported. They destroyed so much. How can we recognize our land as Russian? Wouldn’t that mean forgiving them everything?" the President added.
According to him, if Ukraine legally recognizes the temporarily occupied territories as Russian, “it means we have forgiven them (the Russians - ed.), it means the world has calmed down and given them an opportunity.”
"That’s why, legally, it’s impossible. But diplomatically, we must achieve our goals - lasting and secure peace for Ukraine, and as quickly as possible," he stressed.
Rumors about territorial concessions
Recently, Western media have published reports suggesting that Ukraine is allegedly discussing a deal with Russia that would leave part of its territory under occupation.
For instance, The Financial Times claimed that Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha discussed territorial concessions to end the war during the UN General Assembly.
However, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi dismissed these claims. He stated that the Minister's position remains firm: there can be no compromises on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
