Ukrainian president shares US message on Russia peace deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: president.gov.ua)
Ukraine cannot agree to withdraw troops from Donbas in exchange for promises of peace. Any territorial concessions are crazy, and the presence of foreign forces would not guarantee security in uncontrolled areas, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the Munich Security Conference.
Read also: President Zelenskyy reveals central topic for peace talks in Geneva
Why Ukraine rejects territorial concessions
The Ukrainian president said the US has suggested that withdrawing Ukrainian forces from Donbas could serve as a guarantee of peace from Russia. However, he stressed that Russia's true goal is the full conquest of Ukraine.
"I believe they have never pursued any other goal except the occupation of Ukraine. At minimum, they want Donbas 100% so they can present it as a victory to their society," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that the idea of exchanging territory is unacceptable, as it concerns hundreds of thousands of residents and the lives of defenders who were killed in the direction.
Risks of free zones and foreign troops
Zelenskyy also addressed proposals for free economic zones or deploying US troops to stabilize Donbas, saying these measures would not stop Putin.
"If we give him (Putin – ed.) the sense of this victory, we don't know what he will do next," he warned.
President Zelenskyy added that even with foreign contingents present, control over security in non-controlled areas would be impossible.
"No one will have full control over what happens… They (Russians – ed.) can kill or cause other harm," he stressed.
Focus on just peace
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had already outlined Ukraine's position on ending the war.
During the 2026 Munich Security Conference, he emphasized that the world is at a turning point that will determine the future of the international rule-based order.
Zelenskyy also stated that restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity remains a central issue in any potential peace negotiations.
Additionally, Ukraine prepares for a new role in its relations with Washington, aiming to maintain bipartisan support and highlight the dangers of making territorial concessions to Russia.
