President Zelensky has stated that conceding Ukrainian territory to Russia is the “main issue” following discussions about a US-supported peace initiative.
He made these remarks in a video message during a conference in Sweden on Monday.
The US and Ukraine described the weekend negotiations in Geneva regarding the 28-point peace plan as “highly productive.”
However, Zelensky emphasized that Putin seeks “legal recognition of what he has taken” and aims to undermine the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Russian assaults on Ukraine persist, with a drone strike in Kharkiv on Sunday resulting in at least four fatalities.
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Reacting to the peace talks, US President Donald Trump commented on the Geneva peace talks, expressing skepticism about significant progress but suggesting that positive developments might be occurring, stating, “GOD BLESS AMERICA!” in a social media post.
Earlier, Zelensky reiterated that a significant concern is Putin’s desire for “legal recognition of what he has stolen,” referring to Russia’s ongoing demands for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from several contested eastern regions.
Zelensky argues that permitting Russia to acquire land through force would establish a perilous precedent.
International law upholds Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its occupation of other regions directly challenge this principle, and Zelensky asserts that any peace agreement rewarding Moscow for its aggression is unacceptable.
The draft of the US peace plan suggests freezing the front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, effectively granting Russia control over extensive areas in those regions.
Zelensky has consistently warned that relinquishing the Donbas would expose Ukraine to future Russian attacks, in addition to the significant casualties Ukraine has already endured while defending the area.
Justifying the loss of the Donbas to the Ukrainian public would be extremely challenging for Zelensky.
The Kremlin has stated that it has not received an updated peace plan following the recent talks in Geneva.
Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Putin’s administration is aware of the discussions and recognizes that “some adjustments” have been made to the previously received peace proposals.
However, he noted that “so far, we have not received anything officially.”
Peskov also indicated that there are no plans for talks between Russian officials and a US delegation at this time.
