Zelensky confirms his refusal to cede any territory to Russia and mobilizes European support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his categorical affirmation of his refusal to give up any territory, defying American pressure to make painful concessions to Russia, and moving forward to mobilize more European support for his country.

Zelensky told reporters in a WhatsApp interview on Monday evening: “There is no doubt that Russia insists on us ceding territory. We, clearly, do not want to cede anything. This is what we are fighting for.”

He continued: “Are we thinking about giving up any lands? According to the law, we do not have this right.” “According to the law of Ukraine, our constitution, and international law, frankly, we have no moral right either.

In an interview with Politico published on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump again pressured Zelensky to accept the US proposal for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, arguing that Moscow maintained the “upper hand” in its nearly four-year war, and that Zelensky’s government should “agree.”

Zelensky met with Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo, the papal residence outside Rome, and with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Vatican said that the Pope “stressed the necessity of continuing dialogue, and expressed his urgent desire that the current diplomatic initiatives achieve a just and lasting peace.”

The Holy See tried to remain neutral in the war, while offering solidarity and assistance to what the people of Ukraine call the “martyr.” Liu, who has met Zelensky three times and spoken by phone at least once with Russian President Vladimir Putin, called for a ceasefire, urging Moscow in particular to make gestures to promote peace.