Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the remarks made by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who stated that negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, mediated by the U.S., are currently discussing a “bargain for a few square kilometers of territory in one direction or another.”
This is reported by Kyiv24
Zelensky’s Position on Negotiations and Territorial Integrity
Zelensky emphasized that the U.S. Vice President is not involved in the negotiations between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia. In his opinion, if officials like Vance were engaged in such negotiations, they would have a deeper understanding of the value and significance of each piece of Ukrainian territory, where important defense facilities are located and approximately 200,000 people reside. The president also highlighted that Donbas remains a launchpad for the occupiers to prepare for further offensive actions.
“The Vice President, with all due respect, is not participating in the negotiations between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia. And I think that if he and other officials were involved, they would probably… have a deeper understanding of what a ‘patch’ is and what real Ukrainian territory is, independent Ukrainian territory, which is important and a priority in terms of security, where there are strong defense structures, fortifications, and where about 200,000 people currently live,” Zelensky said on April 9 while in Transcarpathia, where he participated in a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and had a meeting with the Hungarian community.
The president stressed that every square meter of Ukrainian land is an integral part of the state: “This is Ukrainian land, and not, with all due respect to our partners, certainly not theirs.” However, according to Zelensky, Ukraine currently lacks real security guarantees.
Situation Regarding Negotiations and Security Guarantees
The president reported that the Ukrainian side is working on determining the date for the visit to Kyiv of U.S. President emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner after the Easter holidays. According to preliminary information, their arrival is planned after the conclusion of negotiations regarding Iran.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, during his visit to Hungary on April 8, announced significant progress in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine regarding the cessation of hostilities. According to the American official, the positions of the parties are gradually converging, and the issue of territorial concessions is currently being discussed. Vance questioned the feasibility of continuing military actions in light of the losses and economic consequences.
Due to the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, which took place in January-February, were suspended indefinitely. Nevertheless, Zelensky emphasized that he does not consider these negotiations to be futile.
On April 1, Zelensky reported a productive conversation with representatives of U.S. President Donald Trump, Stephen Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which also included Senator Lindsey Graham and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. An agreement was reached for ongoing contact between the Ukrainian and American teams to strengthen security guarantees.
Ukraine also submitted a proposal to the U.S. regarding an Easter ceasefire; however, it is unknown whether the American side will be able to convey this initiative to Russia. The proposal remains valid.
Additionally, on April 6, Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s readiness to refrain from strikes on Russian oil refining infrastructure in the event of a cessation of Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy. The Russian side did not support this proposal.
On April 8, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed the agreement between the U.S. and Iran regarding the “unblocking” of the Strait of Hormuz and the establishment of a two-week ceasefire. He called for determination and urged Moscow to cease fire and end the war against Ukraine.