ZELENSKYY: Ukraine’s territory issue is “most difficult”

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 -Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has declared that the question of territory remains the “most difficult” issue in any negotiations to end the war with Russia. Speaking after talks with European leaders, he emphasized that safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and rejecting territorial concessions are top priorities for Kyiv.

He reiterated that any peace plan must include strong security guarantees — because giving up land would not just mean surrendering control, but legitimizing occupation, something Ukraine refuses to accept. Zelenskyy also said achieving a ceasefire should come first before any detailed negotiations over land can begin.

With this, Zelenskyy made it clear: territory is a red‑line issue for Ukraine. Any deal that pressures Kyiv into giving up parts of its land without credible guarantees — especially in the face of ongoing Russian demands for regions in the east — is likely to be rejected.