Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to propose a territorial exchange to Moscow contingent on US President Donald Trump successfully organizing negotiations with Russia.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy revealed in an interview with The Guardian that Ukraine might relinquish control over a region in Russia's border territory of Kursk, where Kyiv initiated an incursion over six months ago, in exchange for parts of Ukraine currently under Russian control. He emphasized the equal importance of all Ukrainian territories, stating there was no hierarchy in their value.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded on Telegram, alleging that Zelenskyy's comments were intended to obscure the severity of Ukraine's military situation in Kursk. The incursion by Ukrainian forces into the Kursk region began on August 5-6, 2024, near the town of Sudzha, approximately 10 kilometers from the border. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the action as a 'large-scale provocation' and 'terrorist attack,' accusing Ukrainian forces of indiscriminate shooting. Zelenskyy countered that the operation was to establish a 'buffer zone' against cross-border attacks from Russia.
In discussing international support, Zelenskyy expressed concern about the potential withdrawal of US support under Trump's administration, arguing that Europe alone could not sufficiently guarantee Ukraine's security. He reaffirmed the necessity of American involvement, particularly in providing military assistance and advanced defense systems like the US-made Patriot air defense systems. Zelenskyy also mentioned offering reconstruction contracts and investment opportunities to American companies to secure Trump's support.
Addressing Trump's proposal for Ukraine to supply the US with rare earth minerals in exchange for continued support, Zelenskyy confirmed he presented the idea during discussions in New York in September 2024. He noted the impact of the recent freeze on US aid programs but underscored the ongoing priority of maintaining military support for Kyiv.