Zelensky Urges US Not to Force Concessions to Russia After Geneva Talks
In a phone interview, Zelensky said he spoke with special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, emphasizing that he should not be compelled to accept what Ukrainians would view as an “unsuccessful story.” He further stressed that Trump should avoid “giving victory” to Russian President Vladimir Putin if he hopes to achieve lasting peace.
Zelensky also criticized Trump’s approach to urging concessions from Ukraine. “I hope it is just his tactics and not the decision,” he remarked.
He reiterated his rejection of a major Russian demand: that Ukraine relinquish claims to Russia’s newly annexed regions and Crimea, and pull troops from parts of the Donbass under Ukrainian control. Zelensky argued that Ukrainians would not accept giving up territory if a referendum were held.
The president mentioned that he instructed his team to explore the option of a direct meeting with Putin. According to reports, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov previously indicated that the Russian leader would consider a one-on-one discussion, but only at the final stage of negotiations.
Putin has repeatedly stated that he no longer regards Zelensky as a legitimate president, citing the expiration of his five-year term in May 2024. Zelensky has declined to hold a new election, pointing to martial law restrictions.
Russia maintains that it is aiming for a broad peace agreement rather than an immediate ceasefire along the front lines. Alongside territorial issues, Moscow is demanding that Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations and adopt a neutral stance.
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