During a press conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that Ukraine will not cede any of its territories to Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy stated that exchanging territory is not a viable option, especially given Putin’s history of untruthfulness and the significant losses Russia has already sustained. He explained that for Ukraine, the occupied territories represent their life, history, and constitution, and surrendering them would be a betrayal of their people. Zelenskyy concluded that any further advances by Putin would require him to sacrifice millions of soldiers, something Ukraine will not allow to happen.
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Zelenskyy on rejecting ‘territory swap’: We will not give anything to Putin. Let’s be clear, this isn’t a complicated situation. The very idea of Ukraine handing over land to Russia, even as part of some supposed “peace deal,” is a non-starter. Why would they? It’s akin to saying, “Here, Russia, take what you want.” It’s a direct affront to the sovereignty of a nation, and any citizen of a sovereign nation can easily see the issue.
Zelenskyy on rejecting ‘territory swap’: We will not give anything to Putin. The conversation surrounding “territory swaps” is really just a smokescreen. Russia isn’t after land in the traditional sense; they’re after political control, a puppet government, and ultimately, a victory they haven’t earned on the battlefield. The focus on these “peace deal” talks seems like a waste of time, as Russia doesn’t have a need for more land given its already vast size.
Zelenskyy on rejecting ‘territory swap’: We will not give anything to Putin. Think about what it means for Ukraine’s defenses. Russia is asking for heavily fortified, strategically important land. If Ukraine gives this up, it weakens its own defensive positions, making it easier for Russia to attack again. This is not a negotiation, it’s a prelude to future aggression. It’s short-sighted to even consider giving up land under threat.
Zelenskyy on rejecting ‘territory swap’: We will not give anything to Putin. Consider this: even if a deal were made, it wouldn’t stop Russia. They have shown time and again they can’t be trusted. They tore up the Budapest Memorandum. Russia will regroup and attack again later. Signing away land is a recipe for more conflict, not peace.
Zelenskyy on rejecting ‘territory swap’: We will not give anything to Putin. The motivations behind this so-called “swap” also ring hollow. Russia hasn’t earned the right to any territory. They’re essentially trying to bargain with stolen goods. Any attempt to negotiate with Russia, in which Ukraine gives any land away, is negotiating with bad faith.
Zelenskyy on rejecting ‘territory swap’: We will not give anything to Putin. Some might suggest territory exchanges are common in peace settlements. However, the reality is that Russia wants territory where Ukraine has set up defenses and have proven difficult to obtain. Such a swap would degrade their defenses, and incentives Russia to attack again later on, as the next Russian attack will be easier.
Zelenskyy on rejecting ‘territory swap’: We will not give anything to Putin. The war is ongoing, the people are suffering, and the idea of simply handing over territory to end the bloodshed is a dangerous proposition. It sacrifices the present and the future for a false sense of security. What’s to stop Russia from coming back later, demanding more?
Zelenskyy on rejecting ‘territory swap’: We will not give anything to Putin. In the end, Ukraine is in a position where it must fight back. Giving in is the same as surrendering, allowing Russia to take everything, and leaving Ukraine with nothing. The only way to secure the future is to fight and buy time, in the hope that the aggressor will eventually give up and go home.
Zelenskyy on rejecting ‘territory swap’: We will not give anything to Putin. There is no other option, as there is no one on the Russian side that can negotiate in good faith. If any deals are made, Ukraine will get nothing in return. Ukraine may bleed, but giving up is the same as kneeling.
Zelenskyy on rejecting ‘territory swap’: We will not give anything to Putin. Swapping territory is incredibly rare, and in this situation, it’s not a viable option. The only real options are to defend by force or to buy through other forms of negotiation. But in no scenario should any territory be handed over.
