UN Warns Giving Up Ukrainian Territory Would Be Unjust and Unacceptable
The UN emphasizes that any peace negotiations for Ukraine’s future must fully involve Kyiv and cannot include territorial concessions.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Ukrinform.
Matthias Schmale, UN Permanent Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator, stressed in an interview that it is impossible to negotiate Ukraine’s future without the country itself at the table.
He underlined that red lines are clear: no negotiations should lead to Ukraine giving up territory, whether currently occupied by Russian forces or not, and no elections should be held during wartime. Schmale called any transfer of land “unfair and unacceptable.”
He noted skepticism about negotiations with Moscow if Ukraine is not fully engaged and emphasized that the UN’s role is to ensure Ukraine remains central in diplomatic efforts.
“Civilians and officials in Ukraine emphasize that the conflict must end, but not at any cost,” he said.
Schmale also praised ongoing European support and solidarity from countries such as Canada and Japan, acknowledging concerns about maintaining long-term backing but confirming that the international community continues to stand by Ukraine.
After meeting in London with four European leaders, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has neither the legal nor moral right to cede any of its territories to Russia. He emphasized that Ukraine is firmly committed to retaining its land, despite ongoing pressure from Moscow.
“We definitely don't want to give anything away. That's what we're fighting for. Americans are looking for compromises today,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy also noted that US President Donald Trump is determined to conclude the conflict, and that American representatives, including Jared Kushner and envoy Vitkoff, are actively working toward that goal. He emphasized that the US approach is serious and not a political game.
Zelenskyy stressed that for Ukraine, the key issue is the principles on which the war’s end will be based, ensuring there is no risk of renewed Russian aggression.
He also mentioned that Ukrainian national security advisors, together with European counterparts, are finalizing the latest version of the US peace plan, with completion expected around Tuesday.
As The Gaze reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London to coordinate diplomatic efforts with the United States and agree on a joint position.
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