Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his country's stance on not legally acknowledging any occupied territory of Ukraine as Russian in an exclusive interview. When asked about the possibility of ceding land as part of a peace deal, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine cannot accept any territory occupied by Russia, particularly since 2014.
Regarding the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, Zelenskyy expressed a willingness to bring back Crimea diplomatically rather than through military means. He emphasized the importance of avoiding further bloodshed and stated that Ukraine is prepared to pursue diplomatic solutions for the return of Crimea.
Zelenskyy also addressed the ongoing conflict and the importance of military assistance from the United States. He acknowledged that Ukraine will continue to fight even without U.S. support but highlighted the critical role of American military funding in the conflict.
The Pentagon recently announced an additional $275 million in military assistance for Ukraine to bolster its defense capabilities. This support includes munitions for rocket systems, artillery, and anti-tank weapons, aimed at meeting Ukraine's urgent security needs.
The Biden Administration's commitment to providing security assistance to Ukraine underscores the ongoing efforts to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The latest tranche of equipment from the Department of Defense reflects a continued partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine in addressing the security challenges faced by the Ukrainian government.
