Zelensky firmly opposes sharing additional Ukrainian territories with Russia but is open to meeting Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed his unwavering stance against ceding any additional territories to Russia beyond those already occupied, emphasizing his readiness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a recent interview with NBC News, he stressed that stopping the conflict and moving swiftly toward diplomatic negotiations require remaining within Ukraine’s current controlled territories and not conceding anything further to Putin.
When asked about the possibility of meeting in Budapest, Zelensky expressed his willingness, informing Trump about his readiness during their conversation.
He also highlighted that any peace agreement must involve Ukraine’s direct participation, stating, “How can there be any deals about us without us?” Zelensky called Putin a terrorist but did not rule out a face-to-face meeting.
He indicated that achieving a just and lasting peace depends on both sides being committed to negotiations and working together, with Ukraine asserting that no agreement can be reached without its representatives.
Notably, sources reveal that in conversations with Trump, Putin allegedly demanded full control over Donetsk, hinting at concessions on parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions in exchange for complete control over Donbas.
Furthermore, Trump, after nearly two months, reportedly spoke with Putin on October 16, announcing plans for a meeting in Budapest — which would mark Putin’s first visit to the EU member country’s capital since the start of the full-scale war.
However, due to the risks associated with overflight over European countries, such a trip may prove complicated for Putin.