Zelensky rejects territorial concessions as West mulls settlement
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine will not cede any territory to Russia.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte walk in a corridor ahead of a press conference in Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday Oct. 3, 2024. (AP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed on Sunday that Ukraine will not cede any territory to Russia, despite reports of Western discussions about a settlement allowing Russia de-facto control over certain regions.
In a video address, the Ukrainian President said any peace must uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Zelensky also announced upcoming talks with Western allies to discuss his 'victory plan,' which includes NATO-like security guarantees, advanced weaponry, and international financial aid.
However, skepticism remains among some Western officials, who view the plan as mostly reiterating existing demands, including Russian troop withdrawal from territories Russia has annexed.
In the coming days, our teams—government officials and diplomats—will engage in political consultations, while the military personnel will focus on filling the military aspects of the Victory Plan. This can quickly bolster Ukraine's positions, particularly at the front lines.… pic.twitter.com/9c7f7NpdCk
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 5, 2024
Victory plan
The 'victory plan' reportedly includes Western-backed security guarantees, military support, and using incursions into Russia's Kursk Region as leverage in negotiations.
Zelensky presented this plan in the US, where it was met with some skepticism for lacking significant new elements beyond current demands.
These discussions occur amidst broader tensions, with reports suggesting some in the West are open to a settlement in which Russia retains de-facto control over parts of Ukraine. However, this remains a “taboo” publicly for Kiev.
Read more: Zelensky met with ‘tepid reception' in US: WSJ
Russia has consistently maintained that any peace negotiations with Ukraine must include a full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the regions it claims as part of Russia, including Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also stated that Moscow is open to a ceasefire and peace talks only if these conditions are met.
Russia has also ruled out negotiations while Ukrainian troops remain in parts of Russia's Kursk Region, which have been the target of Ukrainian incursions.
