Updated: Zelenskyy Rejects Peace Deal That Cedes Territory \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Ukrainian President Zelenskyy firmly rejected any peace deal involving territorial concessions to Russia. High-level talks are underway in London, but U.S. proposals reportedly include allowing Russia to retain occupied regions. Meanwhile, Russian drones and bombs continue to strike Ukrainian cities.
Quick Looks
- Zelenskyy’s Stance: No land concessions; ceasefire only under firm conditions
- U.S. Proposal: Reportedly includes Russia keeping occupied territories
- Peace Talks: Ukraine, U.S., and EU officials meet in London this week
- French Position: Ceasefire based on current contact lines considered
- Latest Attacks: Odesa, Zaporizhzhia hit by drones and glide bombs
- Russian View: Kremlin warns against expecting fast progress
- Key Players: Trump envoy Kellogg, Zelenskyy, Putin aide Ushakov
- Drone Offensive: Ukraine hit by 54 Russian drones overnight
- Casualties: 1 killed, 24 wounded in Zaporizhzhia, including children
- Ceasefire Offer: Ukraine reiterates readiness to protect civilians
Deep Look
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed back forcefully Tuesday against any peace plan that would involve ceding territory to Russia, amid growing speculation that U.S. and European negotiators are considering such terms to hasten an end to the ongoing war. The comments came just ahead of key diplomatic meetings in London involving U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials.
According to a European official speaking anonymously, U.S. diplomats have floated a proposal suggesting Russia might retain control over Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—regions where Russian troops currently maintain partial or full presence. The suggestion has stirred unease among some of Ukraine’s allies but is reportedly still on the table for further discussion.
Zelenskyy, however, made it clear that Ukraine will not accept any peace agreement that includes territorial losses, including the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014.
“There is nothing to talk about — it is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy stated.
European Allies’ Mixed Feelings
European leaders appear divided. A senior French official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that “if the goal is an immediate ceasefire, it should be based on the current line of contact.” Still, other European leaders emphasize that Ukraine’s territorial integrity remains a top priority.
As the war nears its fourth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the West continues searching for a viable diplomatic exit strategy, while remaining cautious of endorsing any solution that rewards aggression.
Kremlin: Peace Will Take Time
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reinforced Russia’s skepticism of quick diplomacy, calling the conflict’s resolution “so complex” that any effort to rush it would be “a thankless task.”
Western analysts say Russia currently holds battlefield momentum, giving it little incentive to agree to a ceasefire unless it can solidify gains. A U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire was reportedly dismissed by Moscow, which responded with its own list of far-reaching conditions.
Ukraine’s Peace Delegation Mandate
Zelenskyy outlined the limited scope of his negotiators’ mandate for the London talks: to discuss only an unconditional or partial ceasefire, not territorial concessions. He also said Ukraine is prepared to engage in broader talks only after a ceasefire is secured.
“We’re ready to sit down for talks in any format,” he said, “but Russia must show serious intent.”
Trump’s envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, will represent the United States in London. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is skipping the talks due to scheduling conflicts, leaving Kellogg and special envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the American side.
Witkoff is also expected to visit Moscow again later this week, according to Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov.
On the Ground: War Continues
Despite ceasefire discussions, the fighting on the ground intensifies. On Tuesday, the port city of Odesa endured a “massive attack” by Russian drones, injuring at least three people. A residential building, civilian infrastructure, and an educational facility were all hit, according to regional official Oleh Kiper.
In Zaporizhzhia, two Soviet-era glide bombs slammed into urban areas, killing a 69-year-old woman and wounding 24 others — including four children — regional governor Ivan Fedorov said.
Ukraine’s Ceasefire Offer Still Stands
In a Telegram post, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine remains open to a ceasefire specifically covering civilian targets.
“Russia needs to be seriously prepared to talk about this,” he wrote. “There are no obstacles on the Ukrainian side, and there will be none.”
The Kremlin responded cautiously, with Peskov emphasizing that such proposals require careful definitions — especially in cases where civilian infrastructure may be used for military purposes.
Russia Launches Dozens of Drones
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched 54 Shahed drones overnight, including decoys, marking a significant escalation in long-range drone warfare. These drones, often used to strike energy grids and residential zones, have become a central tool in Russia’s asymmetric warfare tactics.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies noted that Russia has not only expanded production of the Iranian-designed Shahed drones but also refined deployment tactics, making them harder to intercept.
Despite Putin’s announcement of a unilateral ceasefire on Saturday, Zelenskyy claims Russian forces have already violated it more than 2,900 times. The Associated Press noted it could not independently verify a ceasefire along the 620-mile front line.
With both sides preparing for spring and summer offensives, the diplomatic road ahead remains steep. For Ukraine, the message remains unwavering: peace must come without sacrificing sovereignty.
Updated: Zelenskyy Rejects Updated: Zelenskyy Rejects
You must Register or Login to post a comment.