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Zelenskyy: We Cannot Lose Millions to Reclaim All Land, But We Will Never Recognize Russian Occupation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking in an interview with Piers Morgan on February 4, made it clear that while Ukraine cannot militarily reclaim all of its territories immediately without massive human losses, it remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing them back over time.
“Now we cannot return all our territories. We are adequate people. We cannot lose millions of people for a result that is not yet guaranteed,” Zelenskyy stated.
“But we also cannot violate the oath we gave to those who have lost their lives for us in this war. We cannot violate the constitution, and we cannot recognize the occupied territories as Russian. Yes, they are temporarily occupied territories, but that is precisely why they are temporary. Legally, despite martial law, despite whatever Putin wants, we will never recognize these territories as Russian. This is not a question of compromise—there can be no compromise on the sovereignty of the state.”
Zelenskyy emphasized that international unity is crucial in ensuring Ukraine’s eventual victory. He called on leaders from the European Union, the Global South, Arab states, China, and Latin America to increase pressure on Putin, asserting that only through collective diplomatic and economic measures can Ukraine reclaim its occupied land.
“If global leaders want to put pressure on Putin, he will give everything back. But this will take time,” Zelenskyy said. “If world leaders are not ready to put pressure on Putin within an alliance, then we will rely on our own efforts, on the aid of our strategic partners, and on time. Justice will come, and it will happen.”
Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine is open to diplomatic efforts, but emphasized that any negotiations should uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“Let me be frank—if somebody asks what Ukraine is ready for, Ukraine is ready, first and foremost, for an end to the hot stage of this war. We want peace more than anyone else in the world,” Zelenskyy stated. “Let’s be honest—Putin is a murderer and a criminal. That is a fact. If people believe we must move to the diplomatic track, then I believe we are ready. But at the negotiating table, there must be the United States, Europe, Ukraine, and Russia.”
On February 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he would be willing to sit down with Russian leader Vladimir Putin if it were the only way to achieve peace and prevent further loss of Ukrainian lives.