Zelenskyy: Ukraine Will Pursue a Diplomatic Return of Occupied Territories

Ukraine will not legally abandon the occupied territories and will seek a diplomatic way to return them.

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with NBC News.

"Legally, we will not recognize... our occupied territory as the territory of Russia. We will never do this," he said.

According to the head of state, Ukraine is ready to discuss a diplomatic way to return the territories, especially if it is guaranteed NATO membership.

"Yes, we must return it diplomatically. Yes, we can. If we are in NATO, then it is clear why it is diplomatic, it is very clear," Zelensky said, adding that the priority is "of course not to lose people."

He also noted that he still believes it is possible for Ukraine to win the war militarily.

"If our partners do not help, do not support, it will be difficult. It will take a long time. Longer than it could be," he added.

Earlier, Zelensky said that the Ukrainian army currently lacks the resources to return the temporarily occupied Crimea, so it is necessary to look for diplomatic ways to resolve this issue. In an interview with the Japanese Kyodo News agency, he emphasized that the situation around Crimea can be resolved only after Ukraine reaches a level of strength that will not allow Russia to resort to aggression again.

The Head of State also noted that Crimea is strategically important not only for Ukraine, but also for the whole world, as its control determines security in the Black Sea and global food security.

The President emphasized that the occupation of Crimea by Russia had led to the blockade of the Black Sea, complicating the export of Ukrainian agricultural products to Africa, Asia and Europe. He also assured that Ukraine intends to return all the occupied territories, preferring the diplomatic route to minimize human losses.

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