Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly ruled out the possibility of ceding any Ukrainian territory to Russia, reiterating that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. Speaking during a press briefing in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would not accept “any deal that involves giving up land,” stressing that such concessions would only embolden further aggression.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s position remains unchanged despite mounting international pressure for a negotiated settlement to end the prolonged conflict. He emphasised that millions of Ukrainians had been displaced, thousands killed, and entire cities devastated, making territorial concessions both morally and politically unacceptable.
The Ukrainian leader also warned that any forced compromise would set a dangerous precedent globally, encouraging powerful nations to seize land through military force. He called on Western allies to continue military and financial support, noting that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself depends heavily on sustained international assistance.
Russia, meanwhile, maintains control of several occupied regions and insists that these territories are now part of the Russian Federation. The Kremlin has repeatedly dismissed calls to withdraw, saying the “new realities” must be recognised for peace talks to begin.
With neither side willing to make concessions, the conflict shows no signs of immediate resolution. Analysts warn that the war may continue into the next year unless significant diplomatic breakthroughs occur, even as humanitarian concerns grow in frontline regions.
