Zelensky Urges US Not to Force Him to Make Concessions to Russia
Speaking to media over the phone, Zelensky said he requested that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, refrain from forcing Ukraine into what he described as an “unsuccessful story.” He added that Trump should not “give victory” to Russian President Vladimir Putin if the aim is a lasting peace.
Zelensky directly criticized Trump for advocating Ukrainian concessions, stating, “I hope it is just his tactics and not the decision.”
He reaffirmed his refusal to meet one of Moscow’s central demands: that Kyiv relinquish claims to Russia’s four newly annexed regions and Crimea, and withdraw troops from areas of the Donbass under Ukrainian control. Zelensky argued that the Ukrainian public would oppose ceding territory if the matter were submitted to a referendum.
The Ukrainian leader also said he instructed his team to explore the possibility of a face-to-face meeting with Putin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has previously indicated that the Russian president is willing to meet one-on-one, but only at the final stage of negotiations.
Meanwhile, Putin has repeatedly declared that he no longer recognizes Zelensky as a legitimate head of state, citing the expiration of his five-year presidential term in May 2024. Zelensky has declined to hold new elections, citing martial law.
Russia insists it is seeking a comprehensive peace deal rather than a temporary ceasefire along the front lines. In addition to territorial claims, Moscow demands that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions and adopt a neutral status.
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