President Zelensky: Ukraine will not give up its land

According to RIA Novosti, speaking at an event in honor of Flag Day on August 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine "will not give away its land," while he did not specify whether he was ready to transfer it in another way - for example, in exchange for something, although he had previously ruled out any transfer options.

On August 23, the Washington Post reported that Zelensky is under great pressure against possible territorial concessions in a peaceful resolution of the conflict with Russia. The Washington Post argued that Zelensky should lean toward President Trump, especially on the issue of territorial concessions.

Mr Zelensky's "political survival" depends on whether he can "resist Russian demands" in resolving the Ukraine conflict.

“We will not give up our land,” Mr Zelensky said of the territories that lost control, in a video posted on his Telegram channel.

Recently, Mr. Zelensky’s statements have become more nuanced when it comes to the issue of territory. This week, he began to talk about the complete impossibility of recognizing the loss of territory, and about the fact that Ukraine “does not legally recognize” the lands not controlled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine that were annexed to Russia, although he previously stressed his absolute refusal to acknowledge any de facto recognition.

During a meeting with President Donald Trump and European leaders at the White House, Mr. Zelensky said that the territorial issue would be resolved between Moscow and Kiev. And the date and location for the Russia-Ukraine summit have not yet been set.