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.
Speaking today at a press conference with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, Zelenskyy reiterated that the Ukrainian constitution makes it impossible to cede any territory.
“We need real negotiations, which means they can start where the front line is now […] Russia is still unsuccessful in the Donetsk region. Putin has been unable to take it for twelve years,” the Ukrainian leader said.
However, he added that since the territorial issue is so important, “it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at the trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.”
“So far, Russia has given no sign that such a trilateral meeting will happen. And if Russia refuses, then new sanctions must follow,” he said.
Russia currently occupies 20% of Ukraine’s territory – Crimea excluded – which was annexed by Russia in 2014.
Von der Leyen, for her part, reiterated the EU’s position that international borders cannot be changed by force.
“These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table,” she said.
Asked about US President Donald Trump’s decision to focus on a peace deal instead of his initial objective of a ceasefire, von der Leyen replied that “the term is not so important.”
What matters most, she stressed, is stopping the killing. “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 agreement should include “clear timelines.”
NATO-like guarantees
She emphasised that “this peace must be achieved through strength” and underscored the need for “strong security guarantees to protect both Ukraine and Europe’s vital security interests.” According to von der Leyen, there could be no limitations on the Ukrainian armed forces, whether in terms of cooperation with, or assistance from, third countries.
Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s willingness to work 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 said.
Regarding Ukraine’s EU path, 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 warned.
