Zelenskyy answers whether he’s willing to cede Crimea, other territory in peace deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently spoke with Fox News regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia, stating that Ukraine cannot legally acknowledge any occupied territory as Russian. This comes as the Pentagon announced an additional $275 million in military assistance for Ukraine.

In the interview with Fox News’ chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine does not recognize any territory currently occupied by Russia as part of their country. He reiterated that legally, Ukraine does not acknowledge these territories and will not adopt that stance.

Yingst also questioned Zelenskyy about the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, asking if Ukraine would be willing to cede Crimea as part of a peace deal. Zelenskyy responded by stating that Ukraine is prepared to bring Crimea back diplomatically and that they cannot afford to sacrifice lives for the sake of reclaiming the region.

In another development, Zelenskyy expressed his belief that Ukraine would continue to fight even without U.S. support, but acknowledged that the country would likely lose the war if military funding from the U.S. were to be withdrawn. The Pentagon’s announcement of additional security assistance aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, including providing munitions for rocket systems, artillery, and anti-tank weapons.

The Biden Administration’s continuous support for Ukraine underscores the U.S.’s commitment to standing with Ukraine against Russian aggression. This latest assistance package is part of a series of equipment provided to Ukraine since August 2021, totaling $275 million in value.

As the conflict in Ukraine persists, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely. The support from the U.S. and other allies is crucial in helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zelenskyy’s determination to resolve the conflict diplomatically while maintaining Ukraine’s stance on its occupied territories reflects the country’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Overall, the situation in Ukraine remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The support from the U.S. and other allies will play a significant role in determining the outcome of the conflict and ensuring stability in the region.