Zelensky on Negotiations with Russia: We Stand Where We Stand.

According to ТСН: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky shared his vision of the situation at the front in the context of possible negotiations for a ceasefire. The main idea is to consolidate the current position of the military without unilateral withdrawals.

He voiced this information during a conversation with journalists in the chat of the Presidential Office.

“We Stand Where We Stand”

Zelensky believes that the “fair version” is a scenario where the line of demarcation passes where the troops actually are at the moment of the cessation of hostilities.

“That is, the Russians concerning Donbas will stand in the temporarily occupied part of our Donetsk and Luhansk regions. And we can only return such territories through diplomatic means, while we will stand and live in that part of Donbas that is controlled by the Ukrainian government. These are fundamental issues,” Zelensky emphasized.

He also noted that, although the presence of occupiers on Ukrainian land is unjust, this is currently the only possible “compromise solution.”

Refusal to Withdraw Troops

The President reacted to the demands of the Kremlin, which, according to him, were discussed with American partners.

“Russia demands that the Ukrainian army withdraws from the territory of Donetsk region. We explained to our American colleagues that Ukraine cannot withdraw from our territories in any way. I do not see any possibility or desire for that. And I see that the Ukrainian people have no such desire either,” the head of state stated.

US Proposal: “Free Economic Zone”

The American side proposed to create a so-called “free economic zone” — a territory without heavy weapons and troops, where activities would be carried out only by police missions. However, Zelensky rejected this option.

The reason turned out to be a distrust of the aggressor.

“If we withdraw, and the Russian army remains... we do not believe that such a free economic zone will be safe. We are sure that the Russian army will want to enter our territory at any moment. And this is what it has been doing all these years of aggression,” the president explained.

Condition for “Mirror Steps”

Zelensky emphasized that any withdrawal of forces is possible only under parity conditions.

“If you want the withdrawal of troops anywhere, then identical mirror steps are always made. If we withdraw 5 kilometers, then they do too. We withdraw 10, and they withdraw 10. And then there is such a zone,” he said.

The People Will Decide

In conclusion, the president noted that the best and “honest option” is to reduce compromises and the position of “standing where we stand.”

However, if the question arises about creating specific zones with preferences, the final decision will be up to the Ukrainians.

“I told my partners: I apologize, but the decision will be made by the people of Ukraine,” Zelensky summarized.

Let us remind you that Ukraine has provided the US with its vision for a peaceful settlement and is waiting for a response from the Russian side. The most challenging issues remain territories, reparations, and control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

These statements from the president emphasize Ukraine's firm position in the negotiations, where the Ukrainian side defends its interests and territorial integrity. This issue is currently in the spotlight of international attention, and the actions of both Ukraine and Russia will have a significant impact on the further development of the situation in the region.