Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is ready for peace negotiations but not for surrender to Russia. [Photo: Reuters]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine is ready for peace negotiations but will not agree to surrender any additional territory to Russia. His remarks came amid growing international pressure to resume talks aimed at ending the war.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Zelensky said Ukraine remains firm on its territorial integrity. “It’s absolutely clear that we’re approaching diplomacy only from the position where we currently stand. We will not take any steps back and leave one part of our state or another,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader also emphasized that peace discussions could take place anywhere — except in Russia or Belarus, which Kyiv views as Moscow’s close ally. “If there will be results, then God bless — let the talks take place anywhere,” he added. “It almost doesn’t matter, just not in Russia, of course, and definitely not in Belarus.”
A planned summit in Budapest between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was recently put on hold. Moscow reportedly demanded that Ukraine withdraw troops and cede more land before any ceasefire could begin — conditions Kyiv firmly rejected.
However, Trump publicly backed Ukraine’s stance, calling for an immediate ceasefire along current battle lines. Zelensky said he appreciated Washington’s clearer position on the matter. “And the important result is that the American side finally made this a public signal: President Trump came out with such a message,” Zelensky noted.
Zelensky also urged US lawmakers to increase pressure on Russia following President Trump’s decision to impose sanctions on two of Moscow’s biggest oil companies. He said that while sanctions were a step forward, stronger measures were needed to curb Russia’s war financing and influence.
“Ukraine continues to fight for peace, but we need support to keep pressure on Moscow,” Zelensky said, calling for more consistent backing from Western allies.
The Ukrainian President highlighted that his country would need stable financial support from European allies for at least another two to three years. The aid, he said, would be essential for maintaining economic stability and rebuilding war-affected regions.
Zelensky also mentioned that he is open to attending future talks in Hungary, despite political tensions with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whom he accused of “blocking everything for Ukraine.” Still, Zelensky insisted that peace efforts must continue — but never at the cost of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
