Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that Ukrainians are unlikely to willingly cede the Donbas region to Russia, even under challenging circumstances. This statement was made during an interview with journalist Piers Morgan, published on February 18.
When asked about the possibility of Ukraine surrendering any territory, Zelensky firmly rejected the idea, stating, “I cannot support such a notion and I doubt our people would be prepared for this, given that thousands of Ukrainians have died defending this part of Ukraine.” He emphasized that the Donbas is integral to Ukraine’s independence and values, as well as a crucial area for national defense.
According to Zelensky, the decision regarding land issues ultimately rests with the Ukrainian people, not solely on the strength of the nation or its leadership. He noted that Ukraine has been supporting U.S. peace efforts for nearly a year, starting with negotiations in Saudi Arabia, but he made it clear that he would not accept any terms that involve ceding Ukrainian territory.
During the Munich Security Conference on February 14, Zelensky highlighted that Russia’s demands during negotiations include gaining control over the Donbas, which would be portrayed as a victory for the Russian public. He warned that agreeing to such terms would be dangerous and insisted that any peace agreement must be approved through a referendum by the Ukrainian people.
Zelensky also mentioned that it would take Russian forces at least two years to capture the Donbas, as their advance has been slow and would result in significant casualties.
On February 17-18, a new round of trilateral talks took place in Geneva involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian delegation departed their hotel around 7:50 PM on February 17, and Rustom Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, reported that discussions were focused on practical issues and potential solutions.
Umerov also held separate meetings with representatives from the U.S., France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland to discuss the outcomes of the first day of negotiations and to synchronize strategies for future actions. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified approach among Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff noted significant progress had been made during the first day of talks, with both sides agreeing to provide updates to their leaders and continue working towards a peace agreement.
The second day of negotiations on February 18 was described by Umerov as “intense and substantive,” with discussions covering both political and military tracks, including security parameters and mechanisms for implementing potential agreements. He indicated that some issues were clarified while others would require further coordination.
Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky characterized the talks as “difficult but businesslike.” Zelensky concluded that the parties achieved a level of “constructiveness” regarding ceasefire monitoring, with the U.S. expected to play a role in this process.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly stated that Ukrainians are unlikely to surrender the Donbas region to Russia, emphasizing the importance of territorial integrity. His remarks were made during a recent interview, coinciding with ongoing trilateral peace talks in Geneva involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia.