Svyrydenko: Ukraine is ready to negotiate but not to surrender
"As Ukraine’s delegation meets with partners in London today, we reaffirm a principled position: Ukraine is ready to negotiate—but not to surrender," wrote Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on X. Her statement came as a response to American deal proposal, which would result in Ukraine giving up vast majority of land occupied by Russia.
"There will be no agreement that hands Russia the stronger foundations it needs to regroup and return with greater violence. A full ceasefire—on land, in the air, and at sea—is the necessary first step. If Russia opts for a limited pause, Ukraine will respond in kind," the Ukrainian Prime Minister added in her response to the disclosed proposal of the agreement created by the United States. As a result of the deal, Ukraine would have to give up majority of its land.
Axios highlights that the American administration reportedly presented peace proposal during the meeting in Paris with Ukrainian officials. The plan "will require significant concessions from Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky," as the portal adds.
Ukrainian teritorial losses. "We will never recognise the occupation of Crimea"
"The proposal says very clearly what tangible gains Russia gets, but only vaguely and generally says what Ukraine is going to get," discloses a source close to the Ukrainian government. Reportedly, Russia is supposed to gain American "de jure" recognition of Crimea, "de-facto" recognition of nearly all of Luhansk oblast and the occupied portions of Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and promise that Ukraine will not join NATO.
Ukrainian Prime Minister opposed those ideas by stating, "Our people will not accept a frozen conflict disguised as peace. We will never recognise the occupation of Crimea. And if NATO membership is not granted, Ukraine will require binding security guarantees—ones strong enough to deter future aggression, and clear enough to ensure lasting peace."
"The first sign of silence is the absence of terror"
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky once again called for the unconditional ceasefire, highlighting the previous attempts made by the Ukrainian side. He declared that Ukraine is "also ready for an immediate ceasefire at least for civilian targets, and we have repeatedly announced this. Preserving lives must be a shared top priority for all partners."
"Ukraine has repeatedly said that it does not rule out any format that can lead to a ceasefire and, ultimately, real peace. Stopping the killing is task number one. I am grateful to everyone who is focused on this goal and helps us move toward ending the war. Peace can come in silence, and the first sign of silence is the absence of terror," Zelensky added.
