“We Will Never,” Zelenskyy Responds to Calls to Cede Ukrainian Territory in Peace Talks With Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine will not recognize Russian control over occupied territories, emphasizing that the country’s laws prevent any such concession.

In an interview with NBC News, he underscored that Ukraine’s legal framework does not allow the recognition of occupied territories as part of Russia.

His statement comes in response to remarks by former US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who both questioned the feasibility of Ukraine reclaiming all its territory.

Hegseth, speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels, stated that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders was an “unrealistic objective.”

“We want, like you, a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. But we must start by recognizing that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective,” Hegseth said.

Trump echoed this sentiment after a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia had “fought for that land” and “lost a lot of soldiers.”

In an interview with NBC News, Zelenskyy responded to these statements, stressing Ukraine’s legal position on the matter.

“Judicially, we will not recognize … our occupied territory like territory of Russia. We will never do it,” Zelenskyy said in English. However, he acknowledged that diplomatic negotiations could be a path to addressing the issue, particularly if Ukraine were to join NATO.

“Yes, we have to return it diplomatically. Yes, we can. If we are in NATO, it’s understandable why diplomatically, it’s very understandable,” he said, underlining the importance of minimizing human losses.

He added that while Ukraine remains committed to recovering its territory through diplomatic means, ensuring the safety of its citizens remains the top priority.

“The people are most important for today,” Zelenskyy stated.

Despite the challenges, Zelenskyy maintained that military victory remains possible, though heavily dependent on continued international support.

“Of course, yes. But it’s many losses,” he said. “Do we understand how many? I think it’s too much. And I’m not sure that with such speed. If our partners do not help, support, it will be difficult. It will be long. Longer than it can be.”

Earlier, former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg suggested in an interview with Table.Briefings that temporary territorial concessions could help achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized that such concessions would not mean Ukraine gives up its land permanently and highlighted the need for security guarantees, including possible NATO membership.