Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that there can be no compromises at the negotiating table when it comes to Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The president has clearly outlined his position: any discussions on Crimea, Donbas, and other territories are possible only with his personal participation and exclusively in talks with Vladimir Putin. This statement was made against the backdrop of attempts by some countries to act as mediators in the conflict and amid increasingly vocal talk of the possibility of a political settlement.
Zelensky emphasized that the Ukrainian delegation participating in international meetings is limited by its mandate: it can only discuss humanitarian issues. These include topics such as the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia, the exchange of prisoners of war, and potential steps toward a local ceasefire. According to him, the transfer of more serious powers to this level is out of the question.
“The fate of our territories is an issue that cannot be discussed below the level of heads of state. This is not diplomatic routine, this is a matter of survival and the future of the country,” Zelensky said.
This approach reflects the changed position of Kyiv, where it is increasingly emphasized that wars are won not only on the battlefield, but also in the sphere of political will. In this context, the Ukrainian leader is sending a clear signal: he does not intend to repeat previous scenarios, when decisions were made behind the backs of society and without proper transparency.
In addition, the statement was a reaction to reports of possible mediation initiatives by Turkey and Saudi Arabia. As reported, these countries offered to hold a meeting at the representative level. However, the Ukrainian side made it clear that issues of peace and the future of the country require direct, open, and, above all, equal dialogue at the highest level.
Zelensky’s words can also be read as a challenge to the Kremlin: if Moscow is really interested in dialogue, then it must take place without intermediaries, without substitution of concepts, and without attempts to exert pressure through third parties. According to the Ukrainian leader, such a format will provide an opportunity to discuss not tactical concessions, but the fundamental conditions for ending the conflict.
Against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities and numerous casualties on both sides of the front line, the issue of direct negotiations is increasingly being raised in the international press. However, Kyiv’s position remains unchanged: no territorial concessions will be discussed outside the “leader-to-leader” format, and even in this case, the discussion will not be about concessions, but about restoring international law.
Zelensky’s approach is focused on the future — not on short-term relief, but on a long-term solution based on sovereignty, justice, and strict adherence to international norms.
