Zelensky urges US negotiators not to ‘give victory’ to Russia

Tehran (ISNA) – In a phone call with Axios, Zelensky said he had asked special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner not to force him into accepting what Ukrainians would see as an “unsuccessful story.” He also argued that Trump should not “give victory” to Russian President Vladimir Putin if he hopes to secure a lasting peace.

Zelensky criticized Trump for pushing Ukraine to make concessions. “I hope it is just his tactics and not the decision,” he said.

He again rejected one of Moscow’s key demands – that Kiev drop its claims to Russia’s four new regions and Crimea, and withdraw its troops from parts of the Donbass under its control. He claimed the Ukrainian public would reject surrendering territory if the issue were put to a referendum.

Zelensky added that he had instructed his team to raise the possibility of a meeting with Putin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously said the Russian president was open to a one-on-one meeting, but only at the final stage of negotiations.

Putin has repeatedly stated that he no longer considers Zelensky a legitimate head of state because his five-year presidential term expired in May 2024. Zelensky has refused to hold a new election, citing martial law.

Russia says it is seeking a comprehensive peace agreement rather than an immediate ceasefire along the front line. In addition to territorial issues, Moscow is insisting that Ukraine abandon its bid to join NATO and adopt a neutral status.