Зеленский. Фото: ОП
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he does not support ceding territory in the Donbas region to Russia, and expressed doubt that Ukrainians would agree to such concessions even under significant pressure.
Источник: Zelenskyy in an interview with Piers Morgan, published on YouTube
Zelenskyy’s direct quote:“support such an idea. And I think that in any very demanding circumstances, I am not sure that our people will be ready. Because, as you said, thousands, tens of thousands of Ukrainians have died in this direction, defending this part of Ukraine.”
The statement comes amid ongoing negotiations aimed at de-escalating the conflict, and underscores the firm stance Ukraine is taking on territorial integrity.
Details: According to Zelenskyy, the issue of Donbas is not merely a matter of morality, but one of values and freedom.
Zelenskyy’s direct quote:“Here’s not just empty words. It is very important for us. That is why there has been such a decisive response from the very first day of this war.”
Details: He added that “defending these values, we must understand that Donbas is part of our independence, part of our values.”
Background:
- On the morning of February 18, Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, reported that the second day of Ukrainian-American-Russian negotiations on resolving the Russian war against Ukraine had begun in Geneva.
- Subsequently, Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, stated that the latest round of trilateral talks, held on February 18, had concluded. He said the Geneva negotiations lasted about two hours and were “difficult but businesslike.”
- Zelenskyy announced that the talks resulted in an agreement for monitoring the ceasefire to be conducted with the participation of the United States.
- He then added that the negotiations on ending the war have not sufficiently addressed political questions regarding potential compromises and the demand for a meeting of leaders.
