6 hours agoZelensky in Brussels: Ukraine constitution does not allow territorial exchange
Periskopi(10 months ago)
(10 months ago)At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leenen, Ukraine's President Voldymyr Zelensky reiterated his country's clear stance: exchange of territories is unacceptable and impossible under the Ukrainian constitution. Zelensky declared Ukraine ready to discuss peace, but not under [...]
Zelensky said Ukraine is willing to discuss peace, but not under combat pressure.
He reiterated that decisions on Ukraine's territorial destiny can only be made at a trilateral summit between Kiev, Moscow and with the support of the United States, which should provide comparable security guarantees to NATO's Article 5.
He stressed the need for a ceasefire to create the right conditions for real negotiations, adding that any talks should reflect the current front line.
“Putin has many demands, but we don't know all of them. It will take time to consider. This can be done now, amid war”, Zelensky said.
In the same line, Ursula von der Leyen underlined that international borders cannot be changed by force and that any decision for Ukraine should include Ukraine at the negotiating table.
These are decisions that belong only to Ukrainians. Nothing can be decided without Ukraine”, she said.
Von der Leyen also confirmed that the EU will continue its support for Ukraine, including continued sanctions against Russia as long as aggression continues.
In response to a security guarantees question, Zelensky added that although financial support may come from Europe, the US still have a key role to play, especially in ensuring Ukraine's defence against any future Russian attack.
We need a real guarantee that Russia will not again invade its neighbour,”, the Ukrainian president said.
Zelensky is expected to visit the White House in the coming days and hopes the visit will bring concrete results towards peace and security. /Periscope/
