Zelensky will not give up the territory, confirms his bureau chief Yermak

The head of the Ukrainian president's office Andriy Yermak told the US Atlantic that Volodymyr Zelensky will refuse territorial concessions. "As long as Zelensky is president, no one should count on giving up territory. He will not sign away the territory," he specified in reference to the ongoing negotiations.

A few days ago, US President Donald Trump presented Ukraine with a 28-point peace plan. However, during negotiations last weekend in Geneva, the plan was reportedly whittled down to 19 points.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the negotiations as progressive and arguably the best since Trump took office in January this year. Secret talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Abu Dhabi also followed.

On Thursday, Zelensky confirmed that the delegations will sit at a joint table later this week and stressed the readiness of Ukrainian officials for "meaningful work."

"Important talks will take place next week, not with our delegation, but with me," he clarified. "And we are preparing solid ground for such talks. Ukraine will stand firmly on its feet. It will always stand firm."

After agreeing on a version of the peace plan with Ukraine, Washington will then present it to Moscow.

(reuters, max)