Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed openness to direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but firmly stated that Kyiv will not cede any territory to Moscow.
In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan published on February 4, Zelensky was asked how he would feel about sitting across from Putin in negotiations.
"We are ready to do it if this is the only way to bring peace to the people of Ukraine and prevent further losses. But I will not be kind to Putin—I see him as an enemy. And to be honest, I believe he sees me the same way," Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian leader did not specify which four parties would be involved in negotiations, but Morgan had previously suggested a possible peace summit including Russia, Ukraine, the European Union (EU), and the United States.
No Compromise on Territory
While acknowledging the difficulties of reclaiming lost areas, Zelensky emphasized that talking to Putin itself is already a compromise, but giving up land is not an option.
His remarks come amid growing speculation about potential peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, but no breakthrough appears imminent. The fighting continues despite U.S. President Donald Trump's pledge to broker a quick ceasefire after taking office.
Russia Dismisses Zelensky’s Legitimacy
The Kremlin has not yet commented on Zelensky’s statement, but Putin previously ruled out direct negotiations with the Ukrainian president.
On January 28, Putin claimed that Zelensky’s term as president had expired, making him "illegitimate" under Ukrainian law. Russia has long argued that Zelensky no longer holds legal authority, as his term ended in May 2024, and Ukraine has not held a new presidential election since the war began.
However, Ukrainian officials insist that Zelensky remains the legitimate leader, citing the martial law in effect since the conflict began, which has made holding elections impossible.
Concerns Over Trump's Approach
There is growing concern among Ukrainian and European officials that Trump may pressure Kyiv into making major concessions to end the war.
Zelensky reiterated that NATO membership remains the best long-term security guarantee for Ukraine. However, Ukraine’s NATO ambitions were one of the key triggers of the war, as Russia has consistently opposed any move that would allow Western military forces closer to its borders.
Ukraine applied for NATO membership in September 2022, several months after the war broke out. In late 2024, NATO leaders confirmed their commitment to eventually admitting Ukraine, but did not extend a formal invitation.
Last month, Trump criticized former President Joe Biden for supporting Ukraine’s NATO bid, suggesting that this decision provoked Russia’s military campaign.
(Sources: AFP, Kyiv Independent)
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