Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ruled out any possibility of exchanging territory for peace, insisting that Kyiv will not уступ land to Moscow as part of negotiations to end the ongoing war.
His remarks come at a pivotal stage in diplomatic efforts, as representatives of Ukraine, Russia and the United States prepare for renewed talks expected to take place in Geneva. The Kremlin has indicated that the question of territorial control will dominate discussions, with Moscow pressing Ukraine to surrender the remaining areas of Donbas still under Kyiv’s authority an idea Ukrainian officials have firmly rejected.
“No Reward for Aggression”
Zelenskyy warned that conceding land would only allow Russian President Vladimir Putin time to rebuild military strength, arguing that previous compromises with Moscow failed to prevent further expansion.
In a series of statements shared on social media, the Ukrainian leader described it as a “serious mistake” to reward an aggressor, pointing to Russia’s 2014 seizure of Crimea and earlier military interventions in Georgia and Chechnya as examples of concessions that did not lead to lasting peace.
“Many mistakes were made,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he would not become a leader who repeats what he views as failed policies of appeasement.
He stressed that the issue extends beyond Ukraine, arguing that the international community must learn from past responses to Russian military actions.
“You cannot stop Putin with gestures of goodwill,” he said, maintaining that only sustained resistance and pressure can change Moscow’s calculations.
Call for Tougher Sanctions
Zelenskyy claimed Russian forces are suffering heavy monthly losses but cautioned that any pause in hostilities without firm guarantees could allow Moscow to regroup. Instead of territorial concessions, he called for intensified sanctions against Russia and stronger political isolation measures across Western nations.
Diplomatic Push Continues
Despite Kyiv’s hardline stance, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that both sides are willing to reach a settlement, suggesting that negotiations could still produce a breakthrough if common ground is found.
The upcoming Geneva discussions are widely viewed as a critical test of whether diplomacy can make progress while fighting continues on the ground yet the sharp divide over land and sovereignty underscores how far apart the two sides remain.
