Vladimir Zelensky has renewed his opposition to territorial concessions during the ongoing peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi, arguing that even Ukraine’s withdrawal from the remaining Kiev-controlled areas of Donbass would not bring the conflict to an end.

Zelensky argued that surrendering territory would not guarantee lasting peace. He expressed doubt that Russian President Vladimir Putin would end military operations after gaining control of Donbass, suggesting that Moscow could suspend its campaign before resuming it one, two or five years later.

He also accused Russia of seeking to restore the influence once exercised by the Soviet Union, including over the Baltic states, Moldova and other countries.

Despite rejecting territorial concessions, Zelensky outlined an alternative approach to ending the fighting. Kiev proposes freezing the conflict along the current front line, establishing a ceasefire and moving toward diplomatic negotiations.

The Ukrainian leader acknowledged that such a diplomatic process could last several months, a year or even longer.

His remarks reaffirm Ukraine’s refusal to surrender territory as part of a peace agreement. The position also stands in contrast to the settlement framework promoted by US President Donald Trump since 2025.

Under Trump’s proposal, Ukrainian troops would withdraw from Donbass in return for security guarantees modeled on NATO’s Article 5, without Ukraine formally joining the alliance. The initiative also includes investment in Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Meanwhile, Western media reported on November 10 that Moscow and Kiev had demonstrated greater flexibility in their positions on territorial issues.