Ukraine is not going to give up its territories in exchange for the end of the war, because Ukrainians live there and are being tortured by the occupiers. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with U.S. President Joseph Biden in Washington.
Answering the question about the statement of certain individuals that Ukraine should cede certain territories for the sake of ending the war, the Head of State reminded that Ukrainian citizens, including children, live in the territories temporarily occupied by Russia and remain Ukrainians.
"Our people live there, families live there, children live there, and all of this is part of Ukrainian society. We are talking about living people. They are being tortured, raped, and killed. We are well aware of this," he said.
"And to those individuals who suggest giving up our territories... How do you give up your people? The question is not only about land, the question is about living people, their fates, their stories, the question is about these families, their children. Should we give up territories, give up children? I don't know who is talking about this... I have one question for them: are they willing to give their children into the hands of terrorists? I don't think so," the President added.
Answering the question of whether the Head of State had heard what he wanted from President Joseph Biden and the U.S. Congress today regarding support for Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted: "I said exactly what I wanted to say. I feel the support of President Biden's administration, I also felt it today from the senators - we talked about it. And we talked to the Speaker. All these signals were there. They were more than positive. But we know that there are words and there are concrete results. We will wait for a better result."
The President also stated that Ukraine has a specific goal and a clear plan, but he cannot disclose the details of operations in 2024 publicly.
