Zelenskyy Highlights Emotional Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict and Territorial Integrity
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked on Wednesday that recent peace talks held in London were characterized by high emotions. He reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to its constitution, which explicitly prohibits the surrender of territories, such as Crimea. "Emotions have run high today, but it is good that five countries met to bring peace closer," Zelenskyy posted on social media. He noted that the American side presented its vision while Ukraine and other European nations offered their inputs, expressing hope that such collaborative efforts would facilitate a lasting peace.
In his post, Zelenskyy referenced a 2018 declaration made by then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that rejected Russia's attempted annexation of Crimea and committed to maintaining this stance until Ukraine's territorial integrity is restored. This declaration contrasts sharply with former President Donald Trump's recent suggestions that the U.S. should recognize Russian control of Crimea, which would violate the principles of the UN Charter and the longstanding U.S. policy that borders should not be altered by force.
Zelenskyy’s statement came on the heels of Trump criticizing him for focusing too much on Crimea in talks, arguing that it was counterproductive and stating, "Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea." Trump later described the London negotiations as progressing well but emphasized the need for strong leaders to agree in order to end violence.
Further complicating the situation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled his trip to participate in the London discussions, resulting in the cancellation of a broader meeting with foreign ministers from Ukraine, Britain, France, and Germany. Instead, discussions were held with Washington’s envoy Keith Kellogg, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak, and national security advisers from France and Germany.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s office emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial integrity combined with its European aspirations were key requirements for European nations. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that it is ultimately Ukraine's choice to determine its future. Following the London talks, Kellogg noted that it was time to move forward on Trump's directives regarding the Ukraine-Russia war, calling for an end to hostilities and prioritizing American interests.
The backdrop of these discussions was marked by significant violence in Ukraine. Early Thursday, at least 21 people were injured in Kyiv following a missile attack. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that one of the injured was a three-year-old child. Damage was reported across at least two districts, while the city of Kharkiv also faced missile strikes.
Ukraine's military reported successfully targeting a Russian long-range drone production facility in Tatarstan, claiming damage to its assembly line, which could facilitate the manufacturing of 300 drones per day—drones that have been widely used by Russia in its attacks across Ukraine.
The sustained violence has clearly taken a toll, with the death toll from a recent Russian drone strike hitting a bus in Marhanets rising to nine, part of a concerning trend where Ukrainian authorities reported 134 large drones attacking the country within a short period.
As international discussions continue and the conflict persists, the hope for peace remains interwoven with the stark reality of ongoing violence and the firm stance of Ukraine regarding its territorial sovereignty.
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