Stubborn Selenskyj Stands Firm Against Russian Invasion and Land Surrender - Putin Ponders Concessions at Border
- ~ 3 Min Read
Zelensky remains steadfast on Crimea; Putin allegedly presents peace plan - President Zelenskyy maintains control over Crimea as Putin appears to propose a concession at the border.
In a pre-London summit with Western allies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj bluntly dismissed the idea of ceding territories to Russia, highlighting it as unconstitutional. He publically referred to territories like Crimea, annexed by Russia, as off the table for negotiations. Reports suggest that conceding Ukrainian soil to Russia might be under discussion during U.S.-Russia talks.
Diplomats and security advisors from the U.S., various European allies, and Ukraine are scheduled to retreat to London for consultations today, aiming to end the Russian invasion. A similar summit happened in Paris last week. Last week, a joint statement from U.S. President Donald Trump and Senator Marco Rubio threatened to scrap Washington's peace efforts if an agreement wasn't reached soon.
According to the "Wall Street Journal," the White House anticipates feedback from Kyiv at the London talks about compromise proposals for Russia. Possible concessions could involve renouncing Ukraine's NATO membership bid and giving up the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014. If approved, these concessions might be presented to the Kremlin, the report suggests.
Report: Putin Plans to Halt Attack Along Boundary
Meanwhile, the "Financial Times" breaks the news that Vladimir Putin has proposed halting the invasion at the existing front line. According to the newspaper's sources, Russia might relinquish its claims on the portions of the four Ukrainian regions still under Ukrainian control. The areas that Russia has already claimed would then become Russia's.
The "Washington Post" also shares the story that the U.S. believes halting the current front lines is a crucial component of a peace agreement. Russia would allegedly pause its attacks in Ukraine, given the opportunity.
Under Trump's reign, U.S. foreign policy has witnessed a drastic shift, no longer funding Ukraine's defense against Russian invasion indefinitely. Washington is putting pressure on Kyiv to swiftly achieve peace. Ukraine has defended itself against Russian aggression since 2014.
Rubio Rolls Into London Late
Contrary to initial statements, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend the gathering, according to his spokesperson. In place, U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg will be present. It remains uncertain if U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff will attend. Germany will dispatch foreign and security policy advisor to the federal chancellor, Jens Plötner, and the political director in the Foreign Office, Günter Sautter.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is organizing the event. Ukraine's presidential office head, Andrij Jermak, is expected to lead the Ukrainian delegation, as in previous meetings in Paris. The attendance of Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umjerow is anticipated, but it's not been officially confirmed yet.
Ukraine's President Pushes for Partial Truce
On Tuesday, Selenskyj voiced his delegation's mandate for the next day's discussions: "They have a mandate to discuss an unconditional ceasefire or a partial ceasefire." According to Selenskyj, Ukraine is prepared to oblige. However, Ukraine will never legally acknowledge Russia's annexation of the Crimea peninsula and other Ukrainian territories. These territories are the homeland of the Ukrainian people, a point Selenskyj has stated many times over.
Selenskyj still expressed his openness to a partial truce with Russia. "Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire, and if this ceasefire is partial, then we are ready for reciprocal measures," Selenskyj said, alluding to actions such as abstaining from attacks on energy facilities or the use of long-range weapons.
In Selenskyj's view, the ceasefire declared by Russia during recent Easter Sunday is evidence that it is solely up to the Kremlin to decrease shelling. "But it's still very far from an unconditional ceasefire," Selenskyj emphasized.
Russian combat drones attacked targets in Ukraine last night. Media reported fires in the port city of Odessa and the city of Poltawa following impacts. At least two people were injured in Odessa, according to official reports.
Note: This news has been updated.
Keywords: Ukraine, Volodymyr Selenskyj, Vladimir Putin, U.S., Russia, Donald Trump
- The European Union, committed to a comprehensive approach to the fight against terrorism and conflict, expects the Ukrainian delegation at the London talks to discuss a partial ceasefire with Russia, despite the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Selenskyj, never legally acknowledging Russia's annexation of Crimea.
- As the U.S. suspends indefinite funding for Ukraine's defense against Russian invasion, the White House anticipates feedback from Kyiv on compromise proposals, including renouncing Ukraine's NATO membership bid and giving up Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014.
- Reports suggest that Putin plans to halt his attack along the boundary, potentially relinquishing claims on portions of Ukrainian territories still under Ukrainian control, while expecting a ceasefire as announced by Selenskyj during Easter Sunday.
- Despite the anticipated compromise, Selenskyj remains firm against any territorial concessions, stating that Crimea and other Ukrainian territories are homeland to the Ukrainian people and will never be surrendered to Russia.
