Zelensky Rejects Territorial Concessions, Urges United Front for ‘Fair Peace’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed that Kyiv will not cede any territory to Russia, insisting that Ukraine and its allies must intensify pressure on Moscow to end its war of aggression.
His remarks come ahead of high-stakes talks in Berlin on Wednesday with European leaders and US President Donald Trump, just days before Trump’s planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Pressure must be exerted on Russia for the sake of a fair peace,” Zelensky wrote on social media. “We must learn from the experiences of Ukraine and our partners to prevent deception on the part of Russia. There are currently no signs that the Russians are preparing to end the war.”
The Ukrainian leader said he and his team have held over 30 conversations with world leaders and senior officials in the run-up to the Berlin meeting, underscoring the diplomatic push to present a united front.
The talks, however, are unfolding against the backdrop of renewed Russian offensives in eastern Donetsk. Moscow claims the region as its own, and recent gains have seen Russian forces advance up to 10 kilometres (six miles), according to Zelensky.
Still, Kyiv insists these developments, including fighting near the mining hub of Dobropillia, will not shape its negotiating stance. “The Russian gains did not influence preparations for Wednesday’s talks,” a member of Zelensky’s delegation told AFP.
By ruling out any territorial trade-offs, Zelensky is setting clear red lines for the Berlin discussions, framing them as a test of international resolve to confront Moscow’s ongoing aggression.
