Zelenskyy: Ukraine’s "red lines" in negotiations with Russia are army reduction and recognition of occupied territories. VIDEO
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that during the upcoming talks with Russia on ending the war, Ukraine will not recognise the occupied territories as Russian and will not agree to reduce the army.
He said this during a meeting with the heads of territorial communities in the Chernihiv region, Censor.NET reports.
"Our priority is our strong army. That is why this is a red line for us – no reduction in the size of our army. To be honest, we will do everything possible to maintain the army at its current strength. A large army, three times the size it was at the beginning of the war. An army that can only be modernised. These are the only changes that may take place after the war ends," the Head of State stressed.
Zelenskyy also noted that another key 'red line' for Ukraine in future peace negotiations is the non-recognition of the occupied territories as Russian.
"Other geopolitical things are the non-recognition of any territories occupied by Russia, Ruskies. These are Ukrainian territories, and this is one of the most important red lines for us. In any case, these are temporarily occupied territories," the Head of State said.
The President also stressed that a just peace will come when all the territories are returned.
"But if it is possible to find a compromise so that the return of these territories takes place over time through diplomatic means... I think that probably, as for some territories, this will be the only way," Zelenskyy suggested.
He added that Ukraine will work to punish war criminals.
"Another thing is who will be with us in this. It depends on the dignity and morality of other partners, not Ukraine," the Ukrainian leader added.
