Zelenskyy responds to Vance's 'haggling over few square kilometres' remarks
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to US Vice President JD Vance’s comments about "haggling" over Ukrainian land by reminding that he is not involved in trilateral negotiations, Ukrinform reports.
"With all due respect, the Vice President is not involved in negotiations between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. And I think that if he were, along with other officials, they would better understand what a 'piece' of land means, what Ukraine’s territory, its independent territory, actually is," the President said.
Zelenskyy stressed that one of the key goals of Russia is the occupation of Ukrainian territory, and that this objective has "always existed in one form or another."
"The occupation of the East is an opportunity to prepare a foothold for further offensive actions," he explained.
Background
On April 8, Vance, commenting on negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, questioned whether it makes sense to fight over "a few square kilometers."
He hinted that Kyiv should consider territorial concessions. Vance also noted that "it takes two to tango," adding that Ukraine and Russia must reach an agreement on their own.
Donbas issue in negotiations
Ukraine has already held several rounds of talks with Russia this year. However, the sides have failed to reach an agreement even on a ceasefire, as Russia is demanding the surrender of non-occupied parts of Donbas — something Kyiv refuses to accept.
Zelenskyy rejected any exchange of Donbas territory for other regions. He stressed that Russia understands it may temporarily hold border areas, but the time will come when the Ukrainian Armed Forces push the Russian army out.
