Zelenskyy: Ukrainians Will Not Accept Peace Deal That Cedes Donbas.

Statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

According to UATV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that his nation's people would reject any peace agreement requiring the transfer of the Donbas region to Russia. He emphasized that any such deal must be approved by a national referendum, stating Ukraine's position remains firm. This statement was made in an interview with Axios, where Zelenskyy also warned that the public would not forgive the abandonment of its citizens and territory. The ongoing war in eastern Ukraine, which began in 2014, has made the Donbas a central issue of national sovereignty.

Remarks on Calls for Peace

Commenting on former U.S. President Donald Trump's past calls for Kyiv to make concessions to achieve peace, Zelenskyy asserted that a just peace is impossible if it amounts to a victory for Vladimir Putin.

“A lasting peace is impossible if it means a de facto victory for the Russian dictator Putin.” - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President Zelenskyy's remarks underscore Ukraine's unwavering stance on territorial integrity and its rejection of any compromises that could threaten national sovereignty. The insistence on public involvement via a referendum highlights the role of democratic principles in shaping Ukraine's foreign policy. In the context of the prolonged conflict, such statements are pivotal in shaping international support for Ukraine and its negotiating position with Russia.