The issue of Ukrainian territories remains the most sensitive and difficult topic in negotiations, even with allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged that Ukraine and the US currently hold differing positions on territorial issues discussed during negotiations.
Russia is demanding that Ukraine surrender the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, which Russia does not fully control. The US plan envisions the creation of a demilitarized zone. At the same time, it is Ukrainian forces that would be required to withdraw from the territories where this zone would be established.
Who would control this demilitarized zone remains unclear. If there are no security forces to protect it, Russian troops will enter these areas to clean out the territory from a supposedly disloyal population. This would inevitably lead to war crimes and repression.
Zelenskyy made the statement in Berlin, speaking to the media alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
According to the Ukrainian president, dialogue on territorial matters has been insufficient so far.
“There has not been enough dialogue on territories, and it seems that for now we have different positions. I will say this frankly. But I believe our partners have heard my personal position,” Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that it was crucial for him to clearly communicate Ukraine’s stance — without ambiguity or compromises that could call the country’s sovereignty into question.
The US as a mediator, not a decision-maker
Zelenskyy separately stressed that the US is acting as a mediator, not as a party imposing solutions.
“I believe the American side, as a mediator, will propose various steps to try to find at least some form of consensus. I would like the US to continue in this mediation format,” he stated.
Earlier in Berlin, Zelenskyy held talks with a US delegation led by Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. According to the president, tangible progress has been achieved on several other issues.
“There was real progress on many issues. To be honest, I don’t know how the aggressor state will perceive this,” Zelenskyy added.
Russia's territorial demands and Ukraine's firm position
Zelenskyy noted that the current draft negotiation documents no longer contain destructive provisions, and the issue of territorial concessions is no longer on the agenda.
At the same time, Kyiv’s and Moscow’s visions regarding territory remain fundamentally opposed.
“Russia wants what it wants… We clearly understand what they want. Whether we believe it or not, we know with 100% certainty what they want,” he said.
He underscored that the most important outcome of the talks was ensuring that US partners clearly understood Ukraine’s position on territorial integrity.
