Ukraine does not agree to exchange its own territories as part of a possible peaceful settlement with Russia. Territorial issues can only be considered at the level of heads of state, while negotiating groups should focus on practical agreements on ceasefire, energy security and maritime trade.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with the "TSN.Week" program, published on October 25.
According to the president, the American side has long been raising the issue of a possible exchange of territories between Ukraine and Russia. However, Kyiv does not consider such a scenario as an acceptable way to end the war.
"We are not exchanging anything for anything", Zelensky emphasized.
The president explained that territorial issues belong to Ukraine's fundamental positions and can only be discussed during a meeting of leaders. Other aspects of the future settlement may be considered at the level of technical delegations.
Among Kyiv's unchanging conditions, Zelensky also named the refusal of neutral status and the unacceptability of restrictions on the size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
He stressed that Ukraine's security guarantees cannot be determined by Russia. According to him, Kyiv is considering various protection mechanisms, including NATO membership, bilateral US guarantees and participation of European partners.
Ukraine opposes lifting sanctions just to start negotiations
Separately, Zelensky warned Washington against premature loosening of economic restrictions against Russia.
In the president's opinion, sanctions should not be lifted just so that Moscow agrees to return to the negotiation process.
Zelensky stressed that economic restrictions were imposed because of Russian aggression. Therefore, the issue of their review should be linked to real steps towards ending the war, security guarantees and post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
The president fears that premature softening of sanctions will deprive Kyiv and its partners of one of the main instruments of influence on Moscow.
According to him, Ukraine must also maintain access to international financial support and the ability to use frozen Russian assets.
Zelensky is particularly concerned about the US decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel fuel. He does not rule out that this may be followed by new steps regarding Russian gas or fertilizers.
At the same time, the president noted that leading EU economies currently show no readiness to restore large-scale energy relations with Russia.
In November, Kyiv expects agreements on energy and maritime exports
Zelensky confirmed Ukraine's readiness to take part in a new round of trilateral negotiations with the US and Russia, which are tentatively planned for November.
The venue has not yet been finally determined. Possible options include Abu Dhabi and European capitals.
The president stressed that negotiations should not be limited to political statements. The Ukrainian side expects practical results that can be implemented before the final end of the war.
Among such agreements, Zelensky named a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure, a ceasefire in the Black Sea, a prisoner exchange according to the "all for all" formula, or preparation for a meeting of the leaders of the three states.
From an economic point of view, the security of maritime shipping is particularly important. According to Zelensky, Ukraine needs to ensure stable grain exports and imports of goods needed for the economy to function.
The resumption of safe sea transportation will contribute to the work of the agricultural sector and replenishment of the state budget with export revenues.
At the same time, the president suggests that the Kremlin's agreement to negotiations may be an attempt to buy time ahead of the US midterm elections. In his opinion, Russia's real intentions will become clear already during the November consultations.
Zelensky warned about risks of the humanitarian mission in Oleshky
The president also commented on the preparation of a local ceasefire in the area of occupied Oleshky in Kherson Oblast, necessary for a humanitarian operation.
According to preliminary agreements, the ceasefire should begin on October 27 and last a few days. Representatives of Ukraine, the US and Russia are expected to participate in the humanitarian measures.
One of the main conditions of the operation is demining of roads by which civilians can leave the dangerous territory.
At the same time, Zelensky assumed that Russian troops may try to organize evacuation in such a way that residents of Oleshky leave towards Russia or remain in the occupied territories.
The president stressed that the main task of the humanitarian mission remains saving civilians and ensuring safe evacuation. Actual results of the operation can be assessed after it begins.
Earlier, "Course of Ukraine" reported that the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the planned start of the local ceasefire on October 27 at 03:00 Kyiv time.
Based on materials: interview of Volodymyr Zelensky for "TSN.Week", Deutsche Welle
