"Zelenskyy Vows Against Dividing Ukraine Once More Before Trump-Putin Encounter in Alaska"
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In recent talks with representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, and Poland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his stance on a peace settlement with Russia. These discussions were described as constructive and focused on a consolidated position for peace.
Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukrainians will not give up their land to the occupier and emphasized the need for an immediate end to the war and the occupation, rather than a future ceasefire. He also urged for a "dignified peace" and a clear and reliable security architecture for the future safety of Ukraine and Russia.
Zelenskyy's position on a peace settlement emphasizes a full withdrawal of Russian troops, no territorial concessions or land swaps, prosecution of Russian war crimes, and strong security guarantees to prevent future aggression. This position is rooted in Ukraine's constitution, which forbids ceding any part of its land.
While Zelenskyy publicly rejects any land swaps or concessions, experts note he may be pragmatic about the need for some compromise to achieve durable peace. Nevertheless, the official Ukrainian stance remains firm on sovereignty and territorial integrity without rewarding Russia's invasion.
In contrast, Russia demands recognition of all occupied territories as Russian, guarantees Ukraine's neutrality (no NATO membership), and lifting of sanctions. Russian officials have been described as uncompromising, seeking Ukraine’s full military and political capitulation, which underscores the gap between Ukraine's and Russia's positions ahead of ongoing negotiations.
Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of attempting to "legalise" occupied territories in exchange for halting the fighting. He has also warned that Ukraine will not allow a "second attempt to partition" the country. The Ukrainian President stated that peace must come through a "just end to the war" rather than territorial concessions to Russia.
The Alaska summit, scheduled for next Friday, will be the first face-to-face meeting between the sitting US and Russian leaders since the Biden-Putin talks in June 2021. The upcoming talks could involve territorial adjustments, but specifics remain unclear. As negotiations continue, Zelenskyy's firm stance on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity remains a key factor in shaping the country's approach to peace talks.
[1] BBC News. (2021, September 1). Ukraine crisis: Zelenskyy says he won't give up territory to Russia. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58456402
[2] The Guardian. (2021, September 2). Zelenskyy warns Russia against 'second attempt to partition' Ukraine. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/02/zelenskyy-warns-russia-against-second-attempt-to-partition-ukraine
[3] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (2021, September 2). Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Will Not Make Territorial Concessions To Russia. [online] Available at: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-says-ukraine-will-not-make-territorial-concessions-to-russia/31495484.html
The ongoing talks about a peace settlement between Ukraine and Russia, which involve general news, politics, and war-and-conflicts, see Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintaining a firm stance on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, refusing to make concessions or give up any part of Ukrainian land to the occupier. Experts suggest that while Zelenskyy may be pragmatic about compromise for a durable peace, the official Ukrainian position remains against rewarding Russia's invasion with territorial concessions.
