Zelenskyy rejects territorial concessions in US-backed peace plan

(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday made it clear that Kyiv will not make territorial concessions under a revised US-supported 20-point peace framework, stressing that Ukraine “has no right to give up its territories” and rejecting proposals to trade land for security assurances, according to reports.

“There were 28 points, now there are 20. We have aligned this direction and quite frankly, the non-Ukrainian points have been removed,” Zelenskyy told reporters via video call, reiterating that no compromise has been reached on the territorial issue.

He further emphasized that the idea of exchanging territory for security guarantees “is not on the table,” citing Ukraine’s Constitution, international law, and what he described as a moral duty to defend the country’s land. Zelenskyy also stressed that Kyiv opposes any moves to sideline the US in the peace process, highlighting the importance of Washington’s military support and ongoing pressure on Russia.

“The Europeans, our partners, are strong, but PURL is an opportunity to buy from the US precisely the weapons that the Europeans, unfortunately, do not have,” he said, noting the crucial role of US-provided arms. He added that US President Donald Trump has “his own vision” for ending the war that differs from Ukraine’s, and tensions remain over the future of Donbas and other occupied regions.

Zelenskyy arrived in London for high-level discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. European officials indicated that new rounds of EU and US sanctions are beginning to strain Russia’s economy, providing Kyiv with additional leverage in ongoing talks.

The discussions underscored Europe’s stance that any ceasefire must be “just and lasting,” while Zelenskyy stressed the importance of coordinated efforts with both Europe and the US as negotiations enter a sensitive phase.

In addition, Zelenskyy confirmed that he is considering either Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal or First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to head the president’s office, following Andriy Yermak’s resignation amid a corruption investigation. “I have options for Minister Shmyhal or Minister Fedorov, but there is a challenge here because the Rada must remove them before they are appointed, and we don’t want it to be like in this game of Jenga, when you pull out one piece and everything falls apart,” he explained.

The president also noted that he plans to leave London for Italy later that night, with reports indicating a visit to Rome following a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

MENAFN09122025000045017640ID1110455832