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Zelenskyy reveals how Ukraine plans to handle territorial issues with Russia

Zelenskyy reveals how Ukraine plans to handle territorial issues with Russia Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Author: Bohdan Babaiev

Any territorial issues should be discussed only by the leaders of the countries during a trilateral meeting. But Russia has so far shown no signs that it is ready for such talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels.

Zelenskyy noted that Russia has made no significant gains in the Donetsk region despite all its efforts. President Vladimir Putin has been unable to capture this territory for 12 years. Ukraine's Constitution prohibits surrendering territory or any territorial deals.

"Since the territorial issue is so important, it should only be discussed by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at the trilateral Ukraine, the United States, and Russia (meeting -ed.). So far, Russia gives no signs that a trilateral will happen. And if Russia refuses, then new sanctions must follow," the President said.

According to media reports, Putin approached the US with a request regarding Ukraine. He reportedly wants Washington to recognize temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories as part of Russia. He also allegedly proposed freezing the front lines in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions in exchange for a halt to fighting and the withdrawal of Ukrainian Armed Forces from Donbas. He pledged in writing not to attack Ukraine or Europe.

In response, Zelenskyy, during a conversation with US President Donald Trump, flatly refused to give up over Ukraine's Donbas to Russia. The Ukrainian President did not respond to Trump's statements that, allegedly, only such a move could achieve peace with Russia.