During a meeting with media representatives, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a fair and realistic option for ending hostilities for Ukraine is the principle of “we stand where we stand.” This means that the conflicting parties should remain in their current positions, with all issues resolved through diplomacy.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukraine’s Position on Ceasefire
According to the head of state, this approach corresponds to the actual cessation of fire; however, Russia has a negative attitude towards such an initiative. Zelensky emphasized that the Russian Federation responds to the proposal of the principle “we stand where we stand” with demands for Ukraine to leave Donbas, otherwise Russia plans to completely occupy the region.
“In response to our signal of ‘we stand where we stand,’ the Russians say that Ukraine must leave Donbas or they will occupy it anyway,” Zelensky stated.
The president also noted the active spread of disinformation by Russia regarding the situation at the front, particularly about the alleged capture of Kupiansk or encirclement of Ukrainian troops. Zelensky pointed out that he personally visited Kupiansk and demonstrated who actually controls the city, emphasizing the large number of fake reports from Russia.
He explained that Russia is trying to achieve the occupation of eastern territories not only through military means but also through political and diplomatic methods, attempting to avoid direct expenditures of forces.
Negotiations and Compromises
During discussions of possible compromises with the American side, the US proposed an option in which the Russian army would not enter parts of eastern Ukraine, while Ukrainian troops would withdraw. Zelensky considers such a proposal unfair, as he stated that if the Armed Forces of Ukraine are to retreat, then the Russian troops should also leave the occupied territories by the same distance.
He emphasized that this issue remains open and is one of the most complex in the negotiations.
The President of Ukraine has previously stressed that any territorial decisions must be made by the people of Ukraine in the format of elections or a referendum. Zelensky noted that the positions of the US, Russia, and Ukraine regarding the future of Donbas differ significantly, and unity on this issue has yet to be achieved.
Recently, the US has once again been making efforts to conclude a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. After a week of negotiations, a document was formed that Kyiv considers more acceptable; however, there remain several contentious issues regarding territorial boundaries and security guarantees.
Zelensky reported that, according to the US, a complete ceasefire is only possible after signing a comprehensive framework peace agreement, as Russia will not agree to a ceasefire without such a document. However, Ukraine insists on the priority of a ceasefire, regardless of the final agreements.
It is still unknown whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to agree to the proposed terms. After negotiations with the American delegation in Moscow, the Kremlin stated that some of the proposals are acceptable, but others were rejected.