Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not inclined to accept territorial concessions without the consent of the people within the framework of a possible peaceful solution to the war with Russia. "You must understand that any issue affecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine cannot be resolved by one president, by one person or by all the presidents of the world without the participation of the Ukrainian people," Zelensky told the "Mond" newspaper.
In the words of the head of state, the authorities in Ukraine "officially do not have the right to give their territories". "The Ukrainian people must want this," adds Zelensky. He points out that Russian President Vladimir Putin would take such a step as a victory, which is why "the issue is very, very complicated".
Possible negotiations with the participation of Russia
As is clear from the interview with "Mond", Zelensky wants to see Russia at the negotiating table. "Like most countries, I think that Russian representatives must attend the second peace summit in November, otherwise we will not achieve any sustainable results. They should not prevent us from developing a joint plan."
Agency dpa notes that Article 73 of the Constitution of Ukraine permits territorial changes only after a referendum.
Ukrainians are more inclined to give up territories
The share of Ukrainians willing to give up territory in the name of an end to hostilities has tripled in the past year, according to polls. From May 2022 to May 2023, eight to ten percent were ready for territorial concessions, the vast majority - 82-87 percent - were firmly against it.
After Ukraine's failed counter-offensive between May and October 2023, moods are beginning to change - meanwhile, up to 32 percent of Ukrainians are ready for territorial concessions. At the same time, there was a decrease in the number of those who are against territorial concessions - from 84 percent to 55.
Author: Roman Sulima