Ukraine Stands Firm on Territorial Integrity While Open to Peace Negotiations with Russia

President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that Ukraine stands ready for peace negotiations but firmly refuses to withdraw troops from additional territories as demanded by Moscow.

Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Zelensky expressed willingness to participate in peace talks at any location except Russia or its close ally Belarus.

The proposed summit in Budapest between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was postponed after Moscow insisted on Ukraine ceding more territory as a prerequisite for ceasefire discussions. President Trump has endorsed Ukraine's position calling for an immediate ceasefire along current frontlines.

"We approach diplomacy solely from our current position. We will not retreat or abandon any part of our state," Zelensky emphasized.

He highlighted the significance of America's public stance on the matter, noting, "The important outcome is that the American side finally made this a public signal: President Trump issued such a message."

Despite expressing concerns about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's policies toward Ukraine, Zelensky showed readiness to attend talks in Hungary. "If there will be positive results, then God bless - let the negotiations occur anywhere," he stated. "The location is almost irrelevant, just not in Russia, of course, and definitely not in Belarus."

Zelensky also called on U.S. lawmakers to implement stronger restrictions on Russia, following Trump's sanctions on Moscow's two largest oil companies.

The Ukrainian President noted that his country would require consistent financial support from European allies for the next two to three years.