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Key Points

Zelensky firmly states that only he will negotiate territorial matters with Putin, rejecting Russia's terms as an ultimatum. The Ukrainian delegation's authority is restricted to humanitarian and ceasefire discussions. Meanwhile, a prisoner exchange continues, signaling fragile progress amid stalled peace talks. Russia also offered to return thousands of Ukrainian soldiers' remains, though Kyiv failed to collect them.

Key Points: Zelensky Says Only He Will Discuss Ukraine Territory With Putin

  • Zelensky limits delegation talks to humanitarian issues
  • Rejects Russia's demands as ceasefire ultimatum
  • Prisoner swap progresses despite tensions
  • Moscow offers unilateral return of Ukrainian soldiers' remains
2 min read

Zelensky says only he will discuss territorial issues with Putin, rejects Russia's ceasefire terms as ultimatum

Ukrainian President rejects Russia's ceasefire terms as an ultimatum, insists on direct talks with Putin over territorial sovereignty.

"What they do not have a mandate for is to discuss the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelensky"

Kyiv, June 12

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated he will only discuss territorial matters directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian state controlled network RT reported.

Zelensky's remarks follow the second round of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul earlier this month.

In an interview with Hungarian outlet Valasz Online, as reported by RT.com, Zelensky said the Ukrainian delegation involved in peace talks in Istanbul is not authorized to negotiate on sovereignty or territorial integrity.

The report further said that Zelensky clarified the Ukrainian delegation's mandate only covers humanitarian issues and ceasefire discussions.

"What they do not have a mandate for is to discuss the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," he emphasized, adding that only he will handle such matters, especially in talks with Putin.

During the recent peace talks, both Russia and Ukraine presented proposals for ending the conflict.

RT noted that Moscow's roadmap involves Ukraine recognizing the loss of five regions to Russia, withdrawing its forces, maintaining neutrality, and reducing its military capabilities.

Zelensky, however, rejected the proposal, calling it "an ultimatum" and demanding an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

Amid ongoing tensions and stalled peace efforts, RT reported that a second group of Russian prisoners of war (PoWs) was released from Ukrainian captivity as part of the prisoner swap deal reached between Moscow and Kiev in Istanbul last week.

According to RT, while the Defence Ministry did not disclose the exact number of servicemen returned, it released a video showing the freed soldiers draped in Russian flags preparing to board buses. The soldiers are currently receiving psychological and medical assistance in Belarus and will be transferred to Russian military hospitals for rehabilitation.

Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the exchange, describing it as "the first stage" of a swap involving "seriously wounded... soldiers" and called it "an important humanitarian act."

RT reported that during the second round of direct negotiations in Istanbul, both sides agreed to exchange seriously injured, ill, or under-25 captives. The Russian Defence Ministry did not specify which categories were included in this phase.

Additionally, Russia announced the return of over 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers' bodies as a unilateral humanitarian gesture. Moscow attempted to hand over 1,212 bodies on Saturday, but Ukrainian representatives failed to arrive at the exchange point, RT reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
Zelensky is showing strong leadership by keeping territorial discussions at the highest level. This reminds me of how India has always maintained that Kashmir is our internal matter. No country should be forced to accept territorial changes under pressure. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
The prisoner exchange is a positive step, but Russia's demands seem like they want Ukraine to surrender rather than negotiate. As Indians who've seen how China behaves at our borders, we understand how difficult it is to deal with expansionist neighbors.
A
Arjun S.
Interesting to see RT reporting this - they're known for being pro-Kremlin. Zelensky is smart not to let lower-level delegates discuss territorial issues. Reminds me of how our PM handles sensitive border talks with China and Pakistan directly.
S
Sunita R.
The humanitarian aspects like prisoner swaps and returning bodies are important, but the core issue remains Russia's aggression. Ukraine's position is similar to how India would react if someone tried to take our land by force. Respect to Zelensky for standing firm!
V
Vikram J.
While I support Ukraine's sovereignty, I wonder if demanding an unconditional ceasefire is practical. Sometimes compromise is needed - look at how India manages complex relationships with neighbors. But Russia's terms do seem like a diktat rather than fair negotiation.
N
Neha P.
The part about returning soldiers' bodies is heartbreaking 💔 War only brings suffering to ordinary people. As someone from a military family, I hope both sides find a peaceful solution soon. Ukraine has every right to protect its borders, just like India does.

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