Donbas is not Russian

Volodymyr Zelensky clearly puts the point — Ukraine does not recognize Donbas as Russian, neither legally nor de facto. Not a single centimeter of our land will be given to the aggressor. These are not just words. This is the principle we are fighting for. What does the US offer? A free economic zone? This does not mean that this piece should suffer under Russian oppression. Our position remains unshakable. Donbas is Ukraine.

Yes, the issue of territories is the key to the negotiations. But there is no consensus, and there cannot be. Nowhere, de jure, nowhere, de facto, do we recognize the occupation. This part of the land, which is temporarily under the control of the enemy, belongs to us. The issue in general is important, and this is one of the stumbling blocks.

The topics of internally displaced persons and families of the dead were also touched upon. Those deprived of their homes due to the war are billions of dollars in losses. There are no real mechanisms for compensation, but Ukrainians must feel that they can live on this land. It is our duty to remember this transparently.

Every fallen hero is not just a number. This is life, this is history. Yes, it is difficult to bear financial responsibility. But this is our moral duty. Even without external support, we will fulfill our obligations. We say: "This is our duty.".

No one can stop us in our fight, but someone like Vladimir Putin can destroy all attempts at a peaceful settlement. And if this instability continues, we are ready. Sanctions against the aggressor will not take long, and the US is ready to supply more weapons. A quick end to the war is one of the priorities, but we argue that quality is more important than speed. If acceleration is not accompanied by real change, we do not need it.

Donbas is not just a territory. It is our truth. And we are ready to fight for it.