Zelensky says Ukraine will not cede land to Russia for peace
The comments were Mr Zelensky's first response to reports that discussions between Russia and the US centre on a deal that would result in Ukraine giving up land for peace.
KYIV - Ukraine won't give up land to 'the occupier' to bring an end to war but is ready to work with US President Donald Trump for real and lasting peace, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post post on Telegram on Aug 9.
The comments were Mr Zelensky's first response to reports on Aug 8 that discussions between Washington and Moscow centre on a deal that would lock in Russia's occupation of territory seized during its military invasion, according to people familiar with the matter.
That includes a demand by Russia's President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine cede Crimea, which Kremlin forces illegally annexed in 2014, as well as its entire eastern Donbas area.
It would require Mr Zelensky to order a withdrawal of troops from parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions still held by Kyiv.
Mr Trump announced on Aug 8 that he will meet Mr Putin in Alaska on Aug 15, with the apparent exclusion of Mr Zelensky from talks aimed at ending the war, which is now well into its fourth year.
Any decisions taken without Ukraine 'are at the same time decisions against peace. They will not achieve anything,' Mr Zelensky said.
'The answer to the Ukrainian territorial question is already in the Constitution of Ukraine. No one will and will not be able to deviate from this,' he added.
Ukraine is ready to work with Trump and 'all our partners' for a 'peace that will not fall apart because of Moscow's desire,' Mr Zelensky said. BLOOMBERG
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