Zelensky Warns US Against Pressuring Kiev to Compromise with Russia
In a telephone interview with reporters, Zelensky said he personally appealed to US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump, urging them not to corner Ukraine into accepting what he described as an “unsuccessful story.” He further cautioned that Trump should not “give victory” to Russian President Vladimir Putin if the goal is to achieve a durable settlement.
The Ukrainian leader expressed concern over what he characterized as mounting pressure from Washington for territorial or political concessions. “I hope it is just his tactics and not the decision,” he said, referring to Trump’s approach.
Zelensky once again dismissed a central Russian condition for ending the conflict: that Ukraine formally relinquish its claims to Crimea and the four regions Moscow has incorporated, and withdraw its forces from parts of the Donbass still under Ukrainian control. He maintained that any proposal to cede territory would likely fail if subjected to a national referendum, arguing that the public would not support such a move.
He also noted that his delegation had been instructed to explore the possibility of arranging direct talks with Putin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has previously indicated that the Russian president would consider a face-to-face meeting, though only at the concluding phase of a broader negotiation process.
Putin has repeatedly asserted that he does not regard Zelensky as a legitimate president, pointing to the expiration of his five-year term in May 2024. Zelensky has declined to hold elections, citing the ongoing imposition of martial law.
For its part, Moscow has emphasized that it seeks a comprehensive political settlement rather than a temporary ceasefire along current front lines. Beyond territorial recognition, Russia continues to demand that Ukraine renounce aspirations to join NATO and adopt a neutral status as part of any final agreement.
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