Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his refusal to cede any territory to Russia, resisting U.S. pressure for a compromise while rallying European support for Kyiv.
In a WhatsApp exchange with reporters late Monday, Zelenskyy said Moscow demanded territorial concessions, but Ukraine had no intention or legal or moral authority to give up land.
“Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories. We, clearly, don’t want to give up anything. That’s what we are fighting for," he said.
“Do we consider ceding any territories? According to the law we don’t have such right. According to Ukraine’s law, our constitution, international law, and we don’t have a moral right either.”
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a Politico interview, renewed calls for Kyiv to accept a U.S. peace plan that includes ceding territory, arguing Russia still holds the “upper hand” and Ukraine must “play ball.”
Zelenskyy met Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday at Castel Gandolfo. The pope called for sustained dialogue and urged that current diplomatic initiatives lead to a “just and lasting peace.” Later, Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The visit follows Monday talks in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position amid Trump’s pressure.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators concluded three days of talks on Saturday to narrow differences over the peace plan, with the most contentious issue being Kyiv ceding control of the Donbas region, mostly occupied by Russia.
Trump claimed other Ukrainian officials supported the U.S. plan, saying, “They really liked it, but they said he hasn’t read it yet.” He also urged Ukraine to hold national elections despite martial law extending Zelenskyy’s term.
Zelenskyy said Monday that Trump “certainly wants to end the war” but Ukrainians understand the conflict’s realities more deeply. He noted the latest U.S. peace plan has 20 points, down from 28 after removing “obvious anti-Ukrainian points.”
European leaders strongly backed Kyiv. Starmer called the peace push a “critical stage,” stressing the need for a “just and lasting ceasefire.” Merz expressed skepticism over some U.S. documents, highlighting the need for further talks. European governments aim to back any ceasefire with strong security guarantees, something Trump has not publicly committed to.
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 110 drones overnight, downing 84. Twenty-four struck targets, causing emergency blackouts in several regions. Ukraine also conducted drone attacks in Russia. Moscow said its air defenses destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions and Crimea. In Chuvashia, nine people were injured and buildings damaged.
A Ukrainian Security Service strike on Dec. 5 hit an LPG terminal in Temryuk, Krasnodar region. Over 20 storage tanks burned for more than three days, and rail cars and refueling facilities were damaged, an official told AP on condition of anonymity.