Ukraine has strongly rejected calls from Donald Trump’s special envoy to surrender territory to Russia in exchange for peace.
Steve Witkoff, who is pushing for a quick end to the Ukraine war, suggested that Kyiv should give up five territories to Russia for a permanent peace deal. His comments have sparked outrage in Ukraine, with the government standing firm on its sovereignty.
🚫 Ukraine’s Stance on Territorial Integrity
Ukraine’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, was quick to dismiss Witkoff’s proposal, making it clear that Kyiv will never agree to such terms.
He said: “Ukraine is a sovereign country, united within internationally recognised borders. This position of Ukraine is immutable and will never change. I can tell you: never.”
Tykhyi emphasised that Ukraine will never accept any plan that cedes its territories, no matter how long the war lasts.
🗺️ The Disputed Territories and Putin’s Ambitions
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Putin has seized key Ukrainian regions, including Crimea, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, Kherson, and Donetsk. These moves have been condemned by the international community.
President Zelenskyy has made it clear that Ukraine will only accept peace if Russia returns all territories to Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders, which were established after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991.
🤯 Witkoff’s Controversial Remarks
Witkoff, who met Putin earlier this month, did not specify which five territories he was referring to but previously suggested that the conflict’s “largest issue” was the disputed regions of Donbas and Crimea.
His remarks have been widely criticised, with many seeing them as a dangerous concession to Russia. Tykhyi reiterated Ukraine’s red lines for any peace talks: the country will not cede occupied territories, it will not agree to limit its defence or foreign aid, and it will not accept outside interference in its foreign alliances.
🇷🇺 Russia’s Aggression and Ukraine’s Right to Defend Itself
Tykhyi further emphasised that Ukraine’s position is supported by international law. “Russia has no right to dictate anything to Ukraine,” he stated. “There should be no equalising of the two.”
Ukraine’s message is clear: no matter the pressure, they will not back down or compromise their sovereignty.
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