In a decisive statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his unwavering stance against ceding any territory to Russia, despite ongoing pressure from the United States for Ukraine to make concessions. On Monday, Zelenskyy emphasized in a WhatsApp chat that Ukraine is not willing to sacrifice any land, stating, “Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories. We, clearly, don’t want to give up anything. That’s what we are fighting for.” He further declared that according to both Ukrainian law and international law, Ukraine has no right to cede territory, highlighting the moral implications of such a decision.
In a recent interview with Politico, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated the need for Ukraine to consider ceding land to Russia, suggesting that Moscow holds the “upper hand” in the ongoing conflict that has lasted nearly four years. Trump urged Zelenskyy’s government to “play ball” and accept the U.S. proposal, which includes the controversial suggestion that Kyiv relinquish control of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, currently occupied by Russian forces. This proposal has been met with strong resistance from both Ukraine and its European allies.
During his visit to Rome, Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo, where the pontiff expressed the urgent need for continued dialogue and a just peace. The Vatican has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict but has offered support to the “martyred” people of Ukraine. The Pope has previously called for a ceasefire and has encouraged Russia to take steps towards peace, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving the conflict.
On the same day, Zelenskyy engaged in talks with key European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. These discussions aimed to bolster Ukraine’s position amid increasing impatience from the U.S. regarding peace negotiations. Starmer underscored that the quest for peace is at a “critical stage,” stressing the necessity for a “just and lasting ceasefire.”
Negotiators from the U.S. and Ukraine recently completed three days of talks aimed at reconciling differences in the peace proposal put forth by the Trump administration. A significant point of contention remains the suggestion that Ukraine must concede control of the Donbas region to Russia. Both Zelenskyy and his European allies have firmly opposed this notion, asserting that it undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As diplomatic efforts continue, military engagements have not ceased. Ukraine reported that Russian forces launched 110 drones across the country, with air defenses successfully neutralizing 84 of them. However, 24 drones did manage to hit their targets, leading to emergency blackouts in several regions due to damage to energy infrastructure. In retaliation, Ukraine has conducted drone strikes against Russian targets, including a recent attack on a liquefied gas terminal in the Krasnodar region.
In summary, President Zelenskyy remains steadfast in his refusal to cede any territories to Russia, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine's sovereignty. As negotiations continue amidst military escalations, the support from European allies and the ongoing dialogue with the Vatican highlight the complexities of achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict.