Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the WSJ publication regarding possible American proposals concerning Crimea and the war in Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky issued an official statement in response to media reports, including an article by the American publication The Wall Street Journal, which discussed potential diplomatic initiatives by the United States concerning Ukraine and the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula. According to the head of state, Ukraine has not received any official proposals from Washington, but various scenarios remain possible at the level of diplomatic signals and informal discussions. During a press conference broadcast by the national public broadcaster "Public" (Suspilne), Zelensky responded to journalists' questions regarding reports of a supposed US proposal to recognize Crimea as Russian, refuse Ukraine’s potential NATO accession, and establish a neutral zone around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant under the control of American experts. The president emphasized that any discussions on Ukraine’s territorial integrity reaffirm support for our constitutional position — that Crimea is and will remain Ukrainian territory. "If we start talking about Crimea, about our sovereign territories, we again find ourselves in the field of prolonging the war — and that is exactly what the Kremlin wants, what Russia aims for. We have already endured 12 years of war, losses, and unresolved conflicts. It is known that the issue of returning occupied territories must be resolved strictly within Ukraine’s legal framework and international law," Zelensky stated. He added that media reports are likely the result of diplomatic signals or interpretations by the American side following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and such propagandistic discourses appear without official confirmation. "These may reflect US perspectives, or perhaps some understandings that emerged among American diplomats after contacts with President Putin. However, Ukraine clearly and unequivocally states: legally and constitutionally, Crimea is, and will remain, part of Ukraine," he emphasized. Regarding the possibility of negotiations to end the war, Zelensky said that the Ukrainian delegation already has a clear mandate for discussions, and negotiations with representatives of other countries are scheduled from April 23rd for an unconditional or partial ceasefire. He noted that Ukraine is prepared to compromise and sit at the negotiating table to find a solution that would end hostilities and prevent impasses. "We are open to any formats and opportunities to ensure security and to bring this war to an end. We are ready to consider all proposals that can help reduce tensions and make the first step toward peace," Zelensky underscored. On the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO, the president assured that this issue is part of ongoing dialogue between Ukraine, the US, and NATO member countries. He emphasized that decisions regarding Ukraine’s membership in the Alliance should be made by the member countries themselves and that no vetoes can be issued by other states. "According to all practice and statutes, no one besides NATO allies has the right to veto our membership," he stated. Regarding the energy potential and future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Zelensky stressed that the station cannot operate effectively without Ukraine and that the US is interested in restoring the plant’s operation and jointly ensuring regional energy stability. According to the president, no official proposals regarding US participation in the restoration of ZNPP have been received so far, but Ukraine is not opposed to cooperation and is ready to work with American specialists. "If the United States and Ukraine cooperatively work on restoring Ukrainian power generation facilities so they can operate again and benefit the Ukrainian economy — this is completely feasible and indeed necessary. But it must be remembered that formal proposals on this have not yet been announced. Ukraine has opened the door for partnership and cooperation in this area," Zelensky concluded. Addressing the issue of possible diplomatic scenarios, he recalled that the United States actively engages in dialogue with European countries and Russia on systemic security issues in the region, including issues related to Ukraine. However, any decisions must align with Ukraine’s national interests and legislation. Therefore, the official position of Ukrainian leadership remains unchanged — Crimea is and will be Ukrainian territory. Relations with the US and other partners are developing within diplomatic procedures, and any proposals or signals from the West currently lack official status. Ukraine remains firmly committed to defending its independence and territorial integrity, striving for peace and stability in the region despite the challenging tests of the ongoing war.