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Zelenskyy says Russia’s readiness not to seize more of Ukraine is not concession

Zelenskyy says Russia’s readiness not to seize more of Ukraine is not concession Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (president.gov.ua)
Author: Daryna Vialko

The promises of the Russian authorities to end the occupation of Ukraine in exchange for the surrender of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions are not concessions, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of a meeting with German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

"As for Russia’s concessions, I am not aware of any. I do not consider the statements made by the Russian side - that they are ready not to seize more of Ukraine - as concessions. I also do not believe it is a concession when they propose that we withdraw from territories that Russia does not control," Zelenskyy noted.

He reminded that even discussing such proposals goes beyond the framework of international law.

The President pointed out that a meeting at the leadership level now depends solely on Moscow and Washington.

"Because it was the United States of America that proposed a ceasefire on March 7. We supported it," the head of state said.

Russia’s concessions

Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance stated that Russia, in the context of its demands for ending the war against Ukraine, had made significant concessions.

He claimed that Moscow was ready to show flexibility for a settlement. According to him, Russia promised to preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity after the war.

Russia has not backed down from its demand for the full withdrawal of Ukrainian defenders from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that such a scenario is impossible.