Ukraine Rejects Putin’s Ultimatum: “We Will Not Give Up Territory”

KYIV — In the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration on Thursday that Moscow will end its offensive only if Kyiv withdraws from territory claimed by Russia — otherwise they would seize it by force — Ukraine has issued a firm and unified rejection.

Addressing the proposal, Ukraine’s chief negotiator Andriy Yermak declared unequivocally that Ukraine will not cede a single inch of sovereign territory. “Not a single sane person today would sign a document to give up territory,” he said. As long as President Volodymyr Zelensky remains in office, “no one should count on us giving up territory. He will not sign away territory.”

Yermak underscored that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits any such territorial concession. Instead of surrendering land, Kyiv is prepared only to negotiate a “line of contact” — a demarcation of the positions currently held by the two armies. That, he stressed, is the only realistic subject for negotiations on the ground.

Constitutional red lines — and Kyiv’s steadfast refusal

Ukrainian leadership repeatedly points to constitutional constraints when rejecting demands to cede territory. The government maintains that giving up sovereign land would violate the foundations of the state.

In public addresses over recent weeks, Zelensky has likewise underscored that Kyiv will not “betray” the country by conceding to territorial swaps or capitulate under pressure. He described any plan that asks Ukraine to surrender land or reduce its military capacity as unacceptable.

Instead, Kyiv remains open to negotiations that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity — but only on the basis of current control lines, not on Moscow’s claims or maximalist demands.

A widening gulf between demands and diplomacy

The stance voiced by Yermak and Zelensky sharply conflicts with Putin’s demands. Moscow insists that any ceasefire or peace deal must involve Ukrainian withdrawal from territories claimed by Russia — including those not currently under Russian control.

Negotiators from Kyiv and Moscow, as well as mediators, now face a fundamental impasse. While external proposals — including a U.S.-crafted draft peace plan — reportedly include territorial concessions, Kyiv has rejected those as non-starters.

What this means for the future of peace talks

With Ukraine drawing a firm red line on territory, prospects for a negotiated peace deal become more complicated. Unless Russia drops its demand for land or accepts a frozen “line of contact” — as Kyiv demands — diplomatic efforts may continue to stall.

Ukrainian officials appear committed to seeking security guarantees, a halt to hostilities, and a stable ceasefire — but not at the cost of national sovereignty. As Kyiv has repeatedly emphasized, “peace that people will respect” is only possible if it does not require giving up what is rightfully theirs.

In the face of external pressure, constitutional constraints, and domestic resolve, Ukraine’s message remains clear: territorial concession is not on the table.