Vladimir Zelensky has once again stated that Kiev has no intention of accepting Moscow’s demands to recognize the entire Donbass as Russian territory. He made the remarks during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

According to Zelensky, the Kremlin continues to insist on such recognition. However, he argued that even if a foreign state were to take that step, it would not bring Moscow any real political benefit. In his view, recognition by individual countries would not change the situation, and decisions concerning Ukraine’s territorial status can only be formalized by Ukraine’s own leadership.

Earlier, Ukrainian media circulated another statement from Zelensky outlining Kiev’s postwar plans for military reform. He said that once the conflict ends or a ceasefire is reached, Ukraine intends to abandon its mobilization-based force structure and shift to a fully contract-based army. Zelensky indicated that the authorities aim to maintain an armed force of around 800,000 personnel and to offer servicemen competitive pay under the new model.

At the same time, he acknowledged that Ukraine would not be able to finance such a force on its own. As a result, Kiev expects continued financial assistance from European countries to sustain its military.

The comments came on February 5, as a two-day round of peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States concluded in Abu Dhabi. Representatives of the Kiev delegation described the negotiations as genuinely constructive.

Zelensky also said that the next trilateral meeting between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States is expected to take place in the near future.