The issue of a territorial swap, demanded by Russian President Vladimir Putin, should be discussed only between Ukraine and Russia at a trilateral meeting with the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.
During a press conference today with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, Zelenskyy reiterated that the Ukrainian constitution prohibits the cession of any territory. “Russia is still unsuccessful in the Donetsk region. Putin has been unable to take it for twelve years,” he remarked.
Zelenskyy emphasized that because the territorial issue is critically important, it must be addressed solely by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at a trilateral meeting involving the United States. “So far, Russia has given no sign that such a trilateral meeting will happen. And if Russia refuses, then new sanctions must follow,” he warned.
Currently, Russia occupies 20% of Ukraine’s territory, excluding Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s stance that international borders cannot be altered through force. “These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table,” she stated.
In response to a question regarding former US President Donald Trump’s shift in focus from an initial ceasefire to a peace deal, von der Leyen remarked that “the term is not so important.” What is crucial, she asserted, is halting the violence. “To achieve that, a trilateral meeting between the presidents of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia should happen as soon as possible,” she said, adding that any resulting agreement must establish “clear timelines.”
Von der Leyen stressed that “this peace must be achieved through strength,” highlighting the need for “strong security guarantees to protect both Ukraine and Europe’s vital security interests.” She pointed out that Ukrainian armed forces should face no limitations in terms of cooperation or assistance from third countries.
Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s readiness to collaborate with Europe and provide NATO-like guarantees. “For everyone in Europe, this is a significant change, but there are no details on how it will work and what America’s and Europe’s role will be. And this is our main task,” he explained.
Regarding Ukraine’s journey towards EU integration, Zelenskyy stressed that there should be no division between Ukraine and Moldova. “If such a division takes place, it will automatically mean that Europe is divided on Ukraine – that Europe does not have a common and strong position on guarantees. Many in Europe see that such a vision will only make things worse,” he cautioned, reports 24brussels.
