Zelensky Urges Just Peace, Rejecting Concessions to Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized on Tuesday the need for a «just» conclusion to the conflict with Russia, insisting that there should be no «incentives» for Vladimir Putin, particularly regarding territorial concessions from Ukraine.

“We all aspire for this war to conclude fairly—without any rewards for Putin, especially when it comes to land,” Zelensky stated during a videoconference at a summit hosted by Poland.

This statement arose amidst reports indicating that the United States had proposed stabilizing the front lines and acknowledging Russian authority over Crimea, which was annexed in 2014—a notion Zelensky opposes.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed on Sunday that he thought Zelensky might be willing to surrender the Black Sea peninsula in order to reach an agreement.

Additionally, Russia has persistently insisted on retaining control of the territories it occupies in southern and eastern Ukraine and has called for Kyiv to relinquish even more land.

Following its invasion in 2022, Russia currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory, resulting in significant casualties and extensive destruction.

Washington has remarked that this week is «crucial» for advancing peace negotiations.