Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for Ukraine to consider swapping territories with Russia. In a recent statement, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainians “will not give their land to occupiers,” reinforcing Ukraine’s commitment to its territorial integrity amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
The backdrop of this declaration includes Russia’s claims over four Ukrainian regions: Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Furthermore, Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, a fact that is almost universally unrecognized by the international community. Russian forces, even if they succeed in taking the claimed regions, do not completely control all of that territory. This unending and complicated dynamic underscores the multi-faceted and deep-rooted reality of the conflict.
Overnight, Ukraine’s Air Force Command reported 47 drone strikes carried out by Russia in several regions. Of these, 31 drone strikes made landfall. In an especially tragic attack, Russian drones targeted a civilian minibus in the suburbs of Kherson. This horrific attack killed two people instantly and left six others seriously injured.
Zelenskyy expressed the dangerous precedent Ceding territory at this time of active conflict would set. He warned that any resolution regarding the fate of Ukraine’s territory should come in line with Ukraine’s constitution. Second, he announced that Ukraine would not cede any land currently illegally annexed by Russia. He took a stand by declaring that all choices taken behind Ukraine’s back will be “decisions against peace.” He warned that such actions “are not going to accomplish anything.”
As a starting point, Ukraine is adamant that any future accords feature crucial “security guarantees” from its allies. These guarantees are essential to securing our country from future attack. The president pointed out that Russia’s demands include ceding all land that President Vladimir Putin claims to have annexed and accepting a permanent neutrality status that would prevent Ukraine from ever joining NATO.
– Zelenskyy further emphasized the fight to defend one’s own country against external forces is paramount to protecting one’s national independence. He doubled down on America’s commitment to protect Ukrainian territory when he declared,
“No one will and no one can deviate from it. Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Like the Ukrainian people, this statement continues to call on all of us to action. It strengthens their resolve to protect their national integrity and independence from Russian incursions.