Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized on Sunday that it would be “impossible” for Kyiv to surrender any territory to Russia and reiterated his plea for an immediate ceasefire.
Speaking from the European Commission headquarters in Brussels before his scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump in the United States on Monday, Zelensky seemed determined to uphold his firm stance on the conflict with Russia, apparently dismissing the idea of recognizing Moscow’s territorial gains in exchange for a peace deal.
“Putin has numerous demands, but not all of them are known to us. If indeed there are as many as rumored, addressing them will take time. Achieving this cannot happen under the threat of weapons. Thus, a ceasefire is essential to swiftly work towards a comprehensive agreement,” stated the Ukrainian president.
This standpoint contrasts with President Trump’s comments following his discussions with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, where Trump suggested that direct peace talks would be more effective than initiating a preliminary ceasefire.
Responding to reports that Putin demanded Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region, three-quarters of which is already under Russian control, Zelensky remarked that “Putin has been unable” to fully seize the region over the past 12 years, indicating that Ukraine has no plans to withdraw from Donetsk.
“The constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible, impossible to give up territory or trade land,” Zelensky said.
Nonetheless, despite his seemingly firm statement, Zelensky hinted at some flexibility, stating that due to the significance of the “territorial issue,” it should be resolved directly by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia in a trilateral meeting with the United States.
“So far, Russia gives no sign that a trilateral will happen, and if Russia refuses, then new sanctions must follow,” he said.
European allies have also pressed for trilateral talks, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz even suggesting on Saturday that a meeting between President Trump, Zelensky and Putin could be held in Europe, despite the standing International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against the Russian leader.
Chancellor Merz is among the European leaders who said on Sunday that they intend to join Zelensky on his trip to Washington for talks with President Trump, perhaps out of concern of a potential re-run of the disastrous Oval Office meeting in February when Trump ejected Zelensky from the White House after a public confrontation.
Other leaders who will join the delegation will include British Prime Minister Starmer, French President Macron, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, Finnish President Stubb, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Appearing alongside Zelensky in Brussels on Sunday, Commission chief von der Leyen reiterated the European stance that “international borders cannot be changed by force.” However, she also seemingly left the door open on territorial issues, saying: “These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone. And these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table.”
The EU president praised President Trump’s reported security guarantees and said that the so-called coalition of willing European allies is also prepared to do “its share” in providing security to Ukraine. “Ukraine must become a steel porcupine, undigestible for potential invaders,” she said.
Separately, President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on Sunday that Moscow has expressed willingness to make “some concessions” on the currently occupied territories of Ukraine; however, he did not elaborate on the parameters of Putin’s position.
