The question of possible compromises regarding territorial issues within the framework of a peaceful settlement should be decided exclusively by the people of Ukraine. This position was voiced by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a conversation with journalists on December 11.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“I believe that this question will be answered by the people of Ukraine. In the format of elections or in the format of a referendum, but there must be a position of the people of Ukraine.”
Diplomatic Context and the Position of the Armed Forces
The President emphasized that “the entire diplomatic structure” is influenced by the actions and capabilities of the Ukrainian military: their ability to deter the enemy, hold positions, and destroy the occupiers remain key factors in the negotiation process.
In early December, Volodymyr Zelensky met in London with the leaders of Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. Following these negotiations, it became known that European partners are preparing their proposals for a peaceful settlement, which they plan to pass on to the U.S. administration for further consideration.
Negotiations Between the U.S., European Countries, and Russia
Last week, a meeting took place in Moscow between American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Vladimir Putin regarding possible parameters for a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Following the negotiations, Putin confirmed that some points of the American plan for ending the war were not accepted by the Russian side.
After this meeting, the Ukrainian delegation in the U.S. held lengthy negotiations with representatives of the Donald Trump administration.
In an interview published on December 9 for Politico, Donald Trump stated that, in his opinion, Russia currently has a stronger negotiating position than Ukraine. Trump advised Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to the American peace initiative, which involves significant concessions from Ukraine.
At the same time, Ukrainian and European officials express skepticism regarding the sincerity of Russia’s intentions to achieve genuine peace. The American Institute for the Study of War has repeatedly emphasized that the Kremlin is not seeking honest negotiations and insists on Ukraine’s capitulation rather than real compromises.