Zelensky rejects territorial concessions as Putin weighs ceasefire proposal
By isabelle // 2025-03-12
Copy
 
  • Zelensky firmly rejects recognizing Russian-occupied territories, contradicting U.S. claims of potential concessions.
  • A U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire proposal is under Kremlin review, but Putin is unlikely to accept it without significant guarantees.
  • Zelensky emphasizes Ukraine’s sacrifices, calling territorial integrity a non-negotiable “red line.”
  • The ceasefire plan lacks a clear monitoring mechanism, raising doubts about its feasibility and enforcement.
  • Divisions between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia highlight the challenges of achieving a lasting peace agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any recognition of Russian-occupied territories, directly contradicting claims by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Ukraine was open to territorial concessions during recent peace talks in Saudi Arabia. The development comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly studies a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire proposal, though experts suggest he is unlikely to accept it without significant guarantees. The proposal, aimed at paving the way for extended peace negotiations, has exposed deep divisions between Ukraine and its Western allies, raising questions about the future of the conflict.

Zelensky’s red line: No recognition of occupied territories

On Wednesday, Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine would not cede any territory to Russia, even as the U.S. and Ukraine agreed to a temporary ceasefire plan during talks in Jeddah. “We are fighting for our independence. Therefore, we will not recognize any occupied territories as Russia's. This is a fact,” Zelensky declared. He emphasized the sacrifices made by Ukrainians, stating, “Our people have fought for this, our heroes died. How many injured, how many passed. No one will forget about it... This is the most important red line.” This stance directly contradicts Rubio’s remarks following the Saudi talks, where he suggested that Ukraine had shown openness to territorial concessions as part of a negotiated settlement. The apparent disconnect between Kyiv and Washington highlights the challenges of aligning Ukraine’s uncompromising position with the U.S. push for a diplomatic resolution.

Putin’s response

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has signaled that it is “carefully studying” the ceasefire proposal but remains cautious. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is awaiting detailed information from the U.S. before making any decisions. He added that Moscow would not rush into negotiations without guarantees addressing its concerns. Putin has previously rejected the idea of a temporary truce, arguing that it would only allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm. In December, he emphasized that Russia seeks “a long-term peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people, all nations who live in this region.” Analysts suggest that Putin’s willingness to entertain the ceasefire proposal may stem from his desire to maintain a positive relationship with the U.S., particularly under the Trump administration.

The ceasefire proposal and its challenges

The 30-day ceasefire plan, brokered during the Jeddah talks, calls for a halt to all fighting on land, sea, and air, with the possibility of extension if both sides agree. Zelensky described the ceasefire as applying to missile, drone, and bomb attacks “not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire front line.” However, the lack of a clear monitoring mechanism raises doubts about its feasibility. Rubio, who attended the talks, acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying that deterring future attacks against Ukraine would play an important role in negotiations. Moreover, any truce would require trusted monitors on the ground. He also emphasized that European sanctions against Russia would be part of the negotiations, making Europe’s involvement essential. As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, the prospects for a lasting peace remain uncertain. Zelensky’s refusal to recognize Russian-occupied territories and Putin’s insistence on territorial concessions create a seemingly insurmountable divide. While the ceasefire proposal offers a glimmer of hope, its success hinges on Moscow’s willingness to compromise—a scenario that appears unlikely given Russia’s recent battlefield gains. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com Reuters.com NYTimes.com
Copy