President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not cede its territory to Russia and will adhere to the provisions of the country’s Constitution when addressing territorial issues.
Speaking in a video address on August 9, Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian Constitution already contains the answer to the territorial question, and that “no one will step back from this.” He emphasized that Ukrainians “will not give their land to the occupier.”
The president noted that Ukraine is ready for “real decisions” that can bring peace, but stressed that any agreements made without Ukraine’s participation, or against its interests, would not lead to a lasting settlement.
“Any decisions made against us, any decisions made without Ukraine, are also decisions against peace. They will achieve nothing. These are dead decisions; they will never work. We all need a real, living peace that people will respect. We are ready, together with President Trump and all our partners, to work for a real and, most importantly, lasting peace — one that will not collapse because of Moscow’s wishes,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that the war must end and that Russia, which initiated the war, must be the one to stop it. Zelenskyy concluded by thanking Ukrainian citizens and the military for preserving the country’s independence, stating, “This is our land. We are Ukraine.”
Earlier, Sky News reported that a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin is tentatively planned for the end of next week. A senior White House official said the agenda includes Russia’s ceasefire demands, though Ukraine has reiterated it will not cede any occupied territory.
