Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will never hand over any part of Ukraine to Russia as part of a peace deal. This firm stand was reiterated by Ukraine’s top negotiator as tensions rise over new Russian demands.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently said that Moscow would end the war only if Kyiv agreed to withdraw from territories Russia claims as its own. He warned that Russia would seize the region by force if Ukraine refused.
Ukraine Rejects Territorial Concessions
Ukraine’s chief negotiator Andriy Yermak made the government’s stance clear in an interview with The Atlantic. He dismissed any proposal that required Ukraine to give up land.
“Not a single sane person today would sign a document to give up territory,” Yermak said after a week of discussions with US officials on possible paths to peace. His comments come as Ukraine and the United States prepare for another round of talks in Geneva.
Zelensky Confirms High-Level Talks With US Delegation
Zelensky said on Thursday (Nov 27) that Ukrainian and American officials will hold negotiations in Geneva by the end of the week. He announced the next steps on X.
“At the end of the week, our team – together with American representatives – will continue to translate the points we secured in Geneva into a form that puts us on the path to peace and security guarantees,” the president wrote. He added that preparations are underway. “The Ukrainian delegation will be well-prepared and focused on substantive work,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian leader also highlighted the constant coordination with Western allies. He thanked them for their continued support as the war enters another critical phase. “We remain in close contact with the American side and our European friends. I am also briefing our partners in other parts of the world, and I am grateful to them for their support of our sovereignty and our state,” he said.
Zelensky stressed that strengthening Ukraine’s defense remains a top priority. “In the meantime, we are doing everything possible to ensure that Ukraine has sufficient defense support,” he added.
Putin Signals Openness to Trump’s Draft Peace Plan
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on a draft peace proposal reportedly suggested by US President Donald Trump. Putin said the document is still under discussion.
“We agree that it can be used as a basis for future agreements. But it will be impolite on my part to speak about any final versions, because there are none,” he said on Thursday. His remarks suggest that Moscow may be willing to negotiate but continues to push for territorial concessions as a condition.
Peace Talks Turning Into Global Power Play
The latest statements show that the Ukraine war is moving beyond a battlefield conflict and becoming a major geopolitical negotiation. With the US, Europe, and now Trump’s draft plan entering the discussion, the peace process is turning into a global power contest.
Each proposal now involves military guarantees, territorial control, and long-term strategic influence. This means Ukraine’s refusal to give up land is not just a national position—it is also shaping the wider balance of power between the West and Russia.
