Ukraine open to peace talks but refuses to give up more land: Zelensky

Ukraine is ready to engage in peace negotiations but will not pull back its troops from any additional territory as Russia demands, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters, Zelensky emphasised that peace discussions could take place anywhere, except in Russia or its ally Belarus.

His remarks came as plans for a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest were postponed. The talks were delayed after Moscow insisted that Ukraine cede more land as a precondition for a ceasefire.

Trump has supported Ukraine’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire along the current front lines. Zelensky welcomed the move, calling it a positive sign from Washington.

Zelensky said that it was absolutely clear they were approaching diplomacy only from their current position and would not take any steps back or give up any part of their state. He added that an important outcome was that the American side had finally made this a public signal, noting that President Trump had issued such a message.

Zelensky also said he was willing to attend talks in Hungary, despite disagreements with its Prime Minister Viktor Orban. He noted that Orban “blocks everything for Ukraine,” but added that progress matters more than location.

He said that if there were to be results, then God bless — the talks could take place anywhere. He added that it almost did not matter where, as long as it was not in Russia and definitely not in Belarus.

The Ukrainian leader further urged US lawmakers to impose stricter measures against Moscow following Trump’s decision to sanction Russia’s two largest oil companies.

Zelensky added that Ukraine would require steady financial support from European partners for the next two to three years to maintain stability.