Ukraine talks stay on territorial stance

Zelenskiy says Kyiv will not cede territory even as European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Zelenskiy Holds Firm on Territory as Europe Backs Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Kyiv will not cede territory to end the war with Russia, while European leaders pledged continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. They stated that international borders must not be changed by force and that the current line of contact should be the starting point for negotiations. The joint statement was backed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Finland.

The remarks come as Western officials aim to sustain aid and political backing while keeping talks within clear red lines. The display of unity signals support for Kyiv but also raises questions about how durable such backing will be if battlefield realities shift.

The move shows a careful balance between military aid and diplomacy. By tying talks to the current front line, Europe signals that gains on the ground could influence talks and concessions. This sets a clear frame for negotiations that values sovereignty while avoiding immediate territorial compromises.

But anchoring negotiations to a specific line may also push Kyiv to hold firm longer, which could prolong conflict if talks stall. The approach rewards resolve but risks raising expectations among domestic audiences that diplomacy will deliver rapid endgames.

Highlights

The road ahead will test how far words can translate into durable, on-the-ground outcomes.