According to Zelensky, the military aspects of the negotiations showed certain progress, especially regarding monitoring compliance with the ceasefire. The president noted that after achieving a truce, there are plans to create a document that will define control mechanisms, and it is expected that the United States will take on a key role in this process.
“We are closer to an agreement on the military part than on the political part, as the military are discussing how the ceasefire monitoring will be carried out when political will allows it,” he explained.
However, the political aspects of the negotiations remain the most complex. Zelensky pointed out that on the issue of territories, the participants have “literally three different positions.”
He also reminded that Ukraine supports the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire before the start of negotiations on the status of temporarily occupied territories. At the same time, the president emphasized that Kyiv is open to various formats of dialogue, but this does not mean automatic agreement to all proposals.
Speaking about the options proposed by the U.S., the president mentioned the idea of the voluntary withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the territories of Donbas controlled by Kyiv in exchange for ending the conflict. He noted that Ukraine cannot agree to such a scenario, as it considers these lands its own.
“We cannot just leave. This is our land. Even temporarily occupied territory remains ours. We do not recognize Russian control either legally or factually. However, let’s stick to the current positions. This will be a compromise,” he added.
Zelensky also noted that Ukrainian society is not ready for territorial concessions, considering the significant human losses during the conflict. According to him, the issue of territories has not only political but also strategic significance, as it affects the country's security in the future.
“Donbas is part of our identity. It is not just about the land. Even with security guarantees, no one can guarantee that Putin will not return,” the president concluded.
