Zelenskyy: I Would Not Hand Over Donbas to Russia

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian people would not forgive him if he handed over Donbas to Russia. The statement was made in an interview with Axios, amid trilateral talks with Washington and Moscow.

Zelenskyy stressed that any agreement must be put to a referendum. He expressed concerns that the change in the Russian delegation, with the appointment of Vladimir Medinsky, would lead to delays.

He noted that Russia has only agreed to a one-day ceasefire to hold a referendum, which he considers insufficient.

He also mentioned that new presidential elections are likely to be held alongside the referendum.