NextFin news, KYIV — On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly stated at a press conference in Kyiv that Ukraine will not exchange or cede any of its territories to Russia as part of peace negotiations. Speaking alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is protected by its Constitution and that no territorial concessions will be made to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“For some, it may be just territory, but for us, it is our life, our history, our Constitution. These are homes and families,” Zelenskyy said, highlighting the human and legal significance of the land. He noted that many Ukrainians displaced by bombings and occupation hope to return to their homes, even if that seems unrealistic at present.
Zelenskyy expressed deep distrust toward Putin, citing his repeated lies and the ongoing full-scale war. He questioned the feasibility of any territorial exchange, stating, “If you do not trust this person, if this person has already partially occupied you, who can guarantee that Putin will not continue?”
The president underscored the military cost to Russia, noting that Putin has lost over 100,000 soldiers, especially on key fronts, and has failed to occupy more than 30% of one Donbas region after four years of conflict. Zelenskyy warned that if Putin attempts further advances, it would require years and the loss of millions of Russian soldiers.
Ukraine’s refusal to trade territory also aligns with its constitutional law, which forbids territorial concessions. Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk has reiterated that even a referendum to exchange territories with Russia is impossible under Ukrainian law. Additionally, Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, confirmed that Ukraine has no plans to hold referendums recognizing Russian occupation of Ukrainian lands.
The issue of territorial exchange was previously raised by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who proposed a territorial swap to resolve the war. However, Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials have consistently rejected this idea, emphasizing sovereignty and legal constraints.
This statement by Zelenskyy on Wednesday in Kyiv reaffirms Ukraine’s position amid ongoing conflict and international discussions about peace prospects.
Sources: RBC Ukraine (https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/zelenskiy-vidmovu-vid-obminu-teritoriyami-1756907684.html), Ukrainian National News (https://unn.ua/en/news/zelenskyy-rejected-the-idea-of-territorial-exchange-this-is-our-land-and-we-do-not-recognize-the-occupation)
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