In an interview with Politico, Vladimir Zelensky said the Ukrainian authorities do not intend to pursue compromises that would satisfy all sides of the conflict if they require territorial concessions. He argued that his role as president obliges him to defend the Constitution, the country’s independence and the interests of the Ukrainian people, and that his decisions are guided by those principles.

Zelensky also claimed that Ukraine has already made a significant number of concessions in talks with Russia. At the same time, he warned that ending the conflict on terms acceptable to Moscow could become what he called a «historic mistake».

Earlier, Ukrainian outlets reported that European countries had suggested Kiev continue fighting for another 18 to 24 months. Sources said that against this backdrop, Zelensky instructed the government to work out how the Verkhovna Rada would operate in the absence of elections.

In a separate remark, Donald Trump previously said there was, in his words, enormous hatred between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky. He argued that the Ukrainian leader should «get to work» and reach an agreement, describing him as an obstacle to ending the conflict.