Ukraine says it's working on its own air defense systems, responding to new Russian missile
Business InsiderJan 22
Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Will Never Accept Occupied Territories as Part of Russia
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Above: Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a session during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 21, 2025. Image copyright: Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
Speaking at the World Economic Forum at the Swiss resort of Davos, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his country would never accept Russia's hold over occupied territories — placing further obstacles ahead of US Pres. Donald Trump's ambitions of achieving a negotiated peace deal.
"No matter what anyone wants, even if all the allies in the world unite, we will never recognize the occupied territories [as part of Russia]," Zelenskyy said. "We will not legally recognize them. For us, they will always remain occupied territories until we liberate them."
The remarks come after Marco Rubio, the newly appointed US Secretary of State, re-iterated Trump's desires to end the war to reporters on Tuesday, adding that "each side is going to have to give up something" for peace to be achieved.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine will never accept occupied territory as being part of Russia. Irrespective of what external pressure is placed on Kyiv, the nation will continue to fight for its rightful sovereignty.
Pro-Russia narrative
Irrespective of whether there are peace negotiations or not, Russia will achieve its objectives in the Special Military Operation, including securing the neutral status of Ukraine and the protection of rights in the four regions that have indicated their desire to be reunited with Russian Federation.
