President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the idea of exchanging Ukrainian-held territory in Donbas for areas seized by Russia in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Mar. 2.
Responding to a question about whether negotiations could involve swapping Russian-occupied parts of the northern border regions for territory in Donbas not currently under Moscow’s control, Zelensky said the lands “cannot be compared.”
“First of all, when we talk about border territories – any border territories – they are very difficult for the enemy to hold. The Russians clearly understand that they will not be able to hold them, and the time will come when we push them out of these territories. So this is not a gift,” Zelensky said.
He added that Donbas remains a key objective for Russian forces and that Moscow’s strategic goals have largely remained unchanged since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“One could say their appetite has slightly decreased, but only for now. Therefore, we are not talking about exchanging small territories on the border for the large territory of Donbas or the part of the Donetsk region that we currently control,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky also warned that if Russia chooses to withdraw from negotiations, Ukraine would seek other ways to end the war.
The president further said Russia is preparing a new wave of large-scale attacks targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.
According to Zelensky, Russian forces may focus on infrastructure, logistics and water supply systems in an attempt to create shortages.
“They want us to have problems specifically with water. Communities must focus on this challenge. On our side, we must secure more missiles for air defense,” he said.
He did not provide specific intelligence details but called for increased air defense capabilities amid continued Russian strikes.