Zelenskyy on 'territory swap': toughest stage of future peace talks
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that discussions over a potential "exchange of territories" would be among the most complex and sensitive stages of any negotiation process with Russia.
According to a live press conference, the president emphasized that territorial matters remain one of the hardest issues to approach in talks aimed at ending the war.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is aware of Russia’s proposal regarding a possible "exchange of territories," but doubts that Moscow has shifted its stance, noting that no direct meetings have taken place to clarify this.
He described the territorial issue as "sensitive" and predicted it would become one of the most difficult stages of the negotiation process, while expressing confidence that talks would eventually happen.
Trump meeting & other statements
Zelenskyy’s remarks came after his October 17 meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, which lasted over two hours. Following the talks, the Ukrainian leader held a joint call with several European heads of state before addressing journalists.
During the press briefing, Zelenskyy reiterated that territories remain the most complex issue in peace discussions and stressed that Ukraine cannot agree to any terms with Russia before a complete ceasefire.
Moscow, meanwhile, has repeatedly rejected a ceasefire without preconditions, while Kyiv continues to insist on an unconditional and comprehensive truce as the first step toward genuine peace negotiations.
