“In an interview with Fox News, Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained Ukraine’s position regarding the relinquishment of the territories.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
Source: Zelensky in an interview with Fox News, quoted by the public broadcaster “Suspilne”
Details: According to Zelenskyi, the issue of territories is the most difficult in negotiations to end the war and remains the only point where the positions of Ukraine and Russia differ significantly.
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Direct speech Zelenskyi: “We cannot simply leave our territories. This is outside the scope of our law. This is not only about the law – people live there, our army is stationed there.”
Details: Zelensky noted that about 300,000 people live in these territories, many of whom have suffered from hostilities. According to him, hundreds of people were injured, dozens died, therefore the issue of territories cannot be considered formally or purely politically.
He also confirmed that the 20-point peace plan is about 90% agreed. Only two points remain unresolved, the key of which is the territorial issue itself.
Direct speech Zelenskyi: “When I said about 90%, it’s true. There is only one main issue where we have different views – these are the territories. And these disagreements are not with the Americans, but with the Russians.”
Details: He added that the United States understands the positions of the parties and is trying to find compromise solutions. According to the president, during the last month, Ukraine demonstrated steps aimed at advancing the peace process.
Commenting on the possibility of a referendum on the territories, Zelenskyi said that such a step would not give a positive result and would not be supported by Ukrainian society.
Direct speech Zelenskyi: “Everyone wants peace, but not at any price. A referendum on giving up the territories will not be positive for Ukraine.”
Details: Zelenskyi also noted that if the peace plan is approved, it would be a great political success for US President Donald Trump, as the negotiation process is taking place under his leadership.
Zelenskyi also reacted to the words of the Russian ruler Vladimir Putin, conveyed by Trump, that he supposedly “wants to see Ukraine successful.” According to Zelensky, Putin is trying to avoid American sanctions in this way.
What preceded: During the negotiations between the Presidents of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, and the President of the United States, Donald Trump, on December 29, it was not possible to resolve the issue of Donbas.
The press secretary of the ruler of the Russian Federation, Dmytro Peskov, said that the Kremlin’s condition for the cessation of hostilities is the complete withdrawal of Ukraine’s armed forces from Donbas.
Prehistory:
- The meeting between the presidents of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, and the US president, Donald Trump, began on Sunday at the private residence of the US president in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
- Zelensky said that they will agree on the sequence of implementation of the points of the peace agreement.
- Trump said he would call Putin after speaking with Zelensky.
- Late in the evening Kyiv time, the meeting between Zelensky and Trump ended, after which the two presidents held a video conference with European leaders.