Anastasia Ryabokon00:04, 14.02.26

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He believes such discussions have no place during wartime. And if they are taking place, Ukraine should be aware of them.

During US-Russian contacts, the Russians raised issues related to the occupied Ukrainian lands. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says such discussions cannot take place during a war. But even if they are taking place, Ukraine should be aware of them. In response to a question from journalist Simon Schuster, Zelenskyy explained in an interview with The Atlantic his concern that the US and Russia were discussing issues related to Ukraine’s sovereign territory. 

According to Zelensky, Ukraine has information that the Americans are building bilateral relations with the Russians. 

“We understand the signal the Americans have given the Russians: let’s start by ending the war. We support this position. It’s fair. However, in our opinion, they cannot develop projects with them during this war. We have information that they are discussing bilateral documents among themselves. I said that these documents should not include issues related to Ukraine.”

However, according to Zelensky, this is not about the economy. 

“For example, the Russians approached the Americans about this or that part of the occupied territory. And if they’re building relationships on our territory, we definitely have a right to know about it,” he clarified.

According to Zelenskyy, the Russian side raised this and other, even more dangerous, issues for Ukraine outside the context of the negotiations: “Let’s imagine that Russia wants the US to recognize some territory under Russian control. I’m not saying the Americans will agree to this. I’m simply saying that they want it and insist on it. I’m against such things. I consider them dangerous.”

He clarified that such discussions are also dangerous for American democracy. He believes the Russians could provoke the US into recognizing this or that territory, although this is simply impossible. “If a great country recognizes a temporarily occupied territory, then I think other territories could emerge that others could attempt to seize by force,” Zelenskyy added.

Is a meeting with Putin possible?

As a reminder, in the interview, the Ukrainian president also described how he envisions a meeting with Putin and what he wants to tell him. He said the key during such a meeting would be to avoid displays of emotion, but to try to discuss ways to end the war. Zelenskyy said the key issue would be the territories that Putin’s Russia is attempting to occupy.

He clarified that he had given the American side consent to hold such a meeting anywhere except in Russia and Belarus.

(C)UNIAN 2026