Zelensky refuses to cede territory, and Trump criticizes the Ukrainian position
In a significant development in the negotiations aimed at ending the war in Eastern Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy his unwavering commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity, emphasizing that Kyiv has neither the legal nor the moral right to cede any part of its territory to Russia. These statements effectively put an end to speculation about the possibility of Ukraine accepting territorial concessions in exchange for peace, a key point in the discussions surrounding US peace plan .
Ukraine's constitutional and legal position
During an online press conference, Zelenskyy clarified that the issue of territorial concessions is not simply a political decision that can be made, but a matter of sovereignty governed by the Ukrainian Constitution and international law. The Ukrainian president stated, “Are we considering ceding territory? We have no legal right to do so, neither under Ukrainian law, nor our Constitution, nor international law, and we have no moral right either.”.
This position is based on the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, which guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. Kyiv believes that any concession of occupied territories in the east or south, including the Crimean Peninsula, would set a dangerous precedent that threatens the existing world order based on respect for international borders.
Trump criticizes the slow pace of studying the proposal
In contrast, US President Donald Trump his “disappointment” with the Ukrainian leadership’s stance, noting that Zelenskyy had not engaged quickly enough in the details of the proposed peace plan to end the conflict with Russia .
Trump told reporters during an event at the Kennedy Center: “I spoke with President Putin and with Ukrainian leaders, including Zelensky , and I must say I am a little disappointed that President Zelensky has not yet read the proposal.”
Historical context and regional importance
These statements are of paramount importance given the historical context of the conflict, which has escalated significantly since February 2022. The current negotiations are not merely about a ceasefire, but also about the delineation of Eastern Europe's borders and the future of security on the continent. Ukraine and its European allies fear that any peace agreement involving territorial concessions could be interpreted as a reward for Russian military operations, potentially encouraging similar actions in other regions.
Internationally, the US peace plan is seen as a true test of the new US administration's ability to impose diplomatic solutions in the world's most complex crises. While Trump seeks a quick breakthrough in ending the war, he faces a significant challenge in reconciling Russian security demands with Ukraine's insistence on full sovereignty, making the coming weeks crucial in determining the course of the conflict and the future of international relations.
