Zelensky Defines the Issue of Territories: Negotiations Between Ukraine and Russia Remain a Private Matter, President Responsible for Ukrainian Lands’ Fate

Chas Pravdy - 19 August 2025 03:39

In a recent briefing in Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a significant statement regarding the future resolution of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

The head of state emphasized that the dispute over territories occupied by Russia would be resolved exclusively through personal negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This decision underscores the special nature of Ukraine-Russia relations, where territorial issues are considered private matters, to be addressed directly between the two leaders through diplomatic talks.Sources close to the president reported that Zelensky, during the briefing, alluded to the nuances of these discussions, mentioning a ‘dispute’ over the percentage of occupied territories depicted on a map presented by American diplomats.

At the same time, he assured that he had no conflicts with former U.S.

President Donald Trump — rather, the conversation was described as ‘warm and constructive.’Zelensky explained that he provided detailed explanations on how and when Ukrainian territories, including eastern regions and Crimea, were occupied in 2014.

However, he refrained from commenting on the United States’ stance regarding potential land exchanges or the formula defining what constitutes ‘acceptable’ recognition of certain occupied areas by Russia.When asked about possible pressure or agreements from the United States, Zelensky stressed that territorial issues are decided exclusively between him and Putin.

He noted that this unofficial level of negotiation is crucial in seeking a resolution to the conflict and determining Ukraine’s territorial future.

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