Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced his doubts regarding the capacity of negotiating teams to address critical territorial issues resulting from the ongoing conflict. In a recent statement during an interview, he reinforced that any peace agreement regarding territory must ultimately be ratified by the Ukrainian populace, underscoring the democratic principle that such significant decisions cannot be made unilaterally by negotiators or negotiators representing foreign interests.

Zelenskyy pointed out that while discussions on territorial matters might be feasible at the level of discussions involving leaders from Ukraine and Russia, notably including Vladimir Putin, the trust required for fruitful negotiations is lacking. He stated firmly that Ukraine has no faith in the leadership or intentions of Russia, which complicates the potential for diplomatic resolutions concerning territorial disputes. This lack of trust reflects the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia and poses challenges for any future negotiations.

Ultimately, Zelenskyy's remarks highlight the pivotal role that public sentiment plays in Ukraine’s approach to any peace negotiations. By insisting that it is the Ukrainian people who should decide on territorial matters, he acknowledges the broader implications of sovereignty and national sentiment that are at stake in the ongoing conflict, reminding both domestic and international audiences that the legitimacy of any peace deal hinges on the will of the citizens it affects directly.