Key Points
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kyiv wants peace but will not accept surrendering its territory.
- Foreign leaders gathered in Kyiv for Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day celebrations.
- Ukraine is seeking additional air defence systems and support for domestic production of long-range missiles.
Main Story
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said his country remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the war with Russia but will not accept an agreement that requires it to surrender territory.
Zelenskyy made the statement on Monday as foreign leaders travelled to Kyiv for celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union.
Among those attending were British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Burnham, on his first visit to Kyiv as prime minister, was expected to announce British support for Ukraine’s efforts to expand domestic production of long-range missiles.
He was also due to co-chair a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The meeting was expected to focus on Ukraine’s request for additional air defence systems to protect its cities from Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Zelenskyy, wearing a traditional embroidered Ukrainian shirt, thanked the foreign leaders who travelled to Kyiv and reiterated his determination to find a way to end what he described as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “ballistic terror”.
The Ukrainian president said Russia’s demand that Kyiv surrender the remaining part of the eastern Donbas region not under Russian control would not resolve the conflict or prevent further aggression.
He said Ukraine would not give up territory it considers its own.
What’s Being Said
“Ukraine absolutely wants peace, but it is not ready to simply surrender.”
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
“Ukraine is different, and it does not give away what is its own.”
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
“Ballistic terror”
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy, referring to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine
The Issues
The central dispute remains the terms of any potential settlement between Ukraine and Russia, particularly over territory controlled by Russia and areas Kyiv is being asked to cede.
Zelenskyy’s position indicates that while Ukraine is seeking an end to the war, it does not regard territorial concessions as an acceptable price for peace.
Ukraine is also seeking greater military support from its allies, particularly additional air defence capabilities and assistance with expanding its ability to produce long-range weapons domestically.
What’s Next
The Coalition of the Willing was expected to discuss Ukraine’s request for additional air defence systems and other forms of support.
British support for Ukraine’s domestic long-range missile production was also expected to form part of Burnham’s visit to Kyiv.
Bottom Line
Ukraine is signalling that it remains open to peace efforts but will not accept an agreement that requires it to surrender territory. At the same time, Kyiv continues to seek military and diplomatic support from its European partners as the war continues.
