At a press conference in Kyiv, he stated that there is “no alternative” to an ultimately durable peace deal to end the war.
“No frozen occupations! No people abandoned in [Russian] captivity!” RBC-Ukraine quoted Zelenskyy.
In their questions, journalists referred to recent media reports and “circulating rumors” about ongoing back-channel negotiations with Moscow. Turkey and Qatar have been names as principal mediators of these talks. The president was asked how serious these talks are and when official negotiations could take place.
“To talk with the Russians, authority is needed, and I haven’t granted it to anyone,” Zelensky said.
On Sept. 9, European media reported that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is preparing a “peace plan” for Ukraine, which allegedly includes Russia maintaining control over some of the Ukrainian territory it currently occupies. Commenting on these reports, Ukrainian officials reiterated that Ukraine will not relinquish its territorial integrity.
European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano also stated that all efforts to achieve a just peace in Ukraine must be based on principles of respect for the UN Charter, international law, and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.