ZELENSKYY says Ukraine won’t cede territory to Russia

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 -Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a firm and unambiguous message: Ukraine will not cede any territory to Russia — and not now, not ever. 

Speaking after high‑stakes talks in London with European leaders, Zelenskyy declared that Kyiv has “no legal or moral right” to surrender land under Ukrainian law, its constitution, or international law.

This comes amid mounting pressure from some behind‑the‑scenes peace efforts, backed by the United States, that reportedly suggest territorial concessions — particularly in contested regions like Donbas — as a way to end the nearly four‑year war. 

Zelenskyy rejected such proposals outright, arguing that giving up territory under duress would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and empower aggression.

The stakes are high: with ongoing Russian attacks and growing diplomatic pressure to find a peace deal, Zelenskyy’s refusal marks a firm red line. 

As Ukraine engages with NATO, the EU, and global partners in search of security guarantees and reconstruction support, its leadership is signaling that any “peace” that comes at the cost of territorial integrity will be unacceptable.