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Ukraine’s determined leader has stated that his nation will not be compelled to give up territory toMoscow– stating “will we lose? Of course not” as he marked four years sinceRussia‘s full-scale invasion.

Speaking to the BBC in Kyiv at the weekend, Volodymyr Zelenskyadopted a stance of unyielding defiance, rejecting assertions that Ukraine should cede land to achieve peace and cautioned that VladimirPutinhas already sparked a worldwide war.

I think Putin has already initiated it,” he stated, referring to World War III. “The issue is how much land he will manage to capture and how to prevent him… Russia aims to enforce a new way of living upon the world and alter the lives people have opted for.

Moscow keeps insisting that Ukraine officially transfer large portions of land in the east and south, such as parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—areas that have endured some of the most intense combat during the conflict.

However, Zelensky dismissed the notion that giving up territory would be a worthwhile cost for a truce.

I perceive this in a different way. I don’t view it merely as territory. I see it as a form of abandonment—undermining our positions and leaving hundreds of thousands of our people living there behind. This is how I interpret it. And I am certain that this so-called ‘withdrawal’ would create division within our society.

He claimed that any agreement acceptable to the Kremlin would be short-lived. Putin, he stated, “would likely be satisfied for a time… he needs a break… but once he regains his footing,” the conflict would restart. According to his perspective, Russia had the potential to restore its power within a few years.

Where might he go next? We are unaware, but the fact remains that he intends to keep [the war] going.

Some Western officials and experts think Ukraine is unable to regain all the territories that have been taken and that some compromises are necessary. US President Donald Trump has previously proposed that making territorial concessions might lead to a truce.

However, Zelensky stays determined: “Are we going to lose? Of course not, as we are battling for Ukraine’s freedom.”

He contended that victory extends beyond military boundaries and involves averting a larger disaster.

I am convinced that halting Putin now and stopping him from taking over Ukraine is a triumph for the entire world. Since Putin will not limit himself to Ukraine.

Although he stated that Ukraine would eventually regain its internationally recognized borders, he admitted to the harsh consequences of attempting to do so right away.

We’ll accomplish it. That is completely evident. It’s merely a question of time… What is land without inhabitants? Honestly, nothing.

Tensions with Washington have escalated since Zelensky’s difficult trip to the White House last year, during which a tense public confrontation with Trump and Vice President JD Vance indicated a significant change from the strong support previously provided under Joe Biden.

Despite the reduction in US military deliveries, Kyiv continues to depend significantly on American intelligence and arms supported by European partners.

It emerged that US-backed negotiations regarding Ukraine ended in under two hours last week, following Zelensky’s assertion that Donald Trump was exerting greater pressure on his nation than on Russia.

The second day of discussions ended on Wednesday, but neither party indicated they were nearer to resolving Europe’s most lethal conflict since World War II.

The discussions concluded after only two hours, significantly shorter than the six-hour sessions held on Tuesday, as stated by the leader of Russia’s delegation.

No party provided details about their conversation or if they reached any consensus, yet both indicated the talks had been challenging.

Trump exerted pressure on Ukraine to reach an agreement, stating they “had better come to the table quickly.”

However, Zelensky stated to Axios that it was “unfair” for Ukraine, rather than Russia, to be under greater pressure, noting that long-term peace would not be attained if “victory” was simply given to Moscow.

“I hope it’s merely his strategy and not a final choice,” Zelensky stated.

The Ukrainian leader later stated he was willing to proceed ‘rapidly’ toward an agreement but raised doubts about Russia’s genuine commitment to peace.

He emphasized that lasting security assurances from Washington should be established through American institutions, not reliant on one individual. “Congress is essential,” he stated, contending that although presidents come and go, institutions remain.

During the period of martial law, the 2024 elections were delayed. Moscow has consistently labeled Zelensky as not legitimate – a stance that has gained support among certain groups in American politics.

The leader of Ukraine stated he has not yet determined if he will seek re-election: ‘I may or may not run.’

Nevertheless, he proposed that elections might be arranged if it was truly necessary to conclude the conflict and if Ukraine initially obtained enforceable security assurances.

If this is a prerequisite for ending the conflict, let’s proceed,” he stated, then urged opponents to be truthful about their motives. “You must make a choice: do you wish to remove me or do you want to conduct elections? … Conduct them in a manner that the Ukrainian population will accept.

After four years of Europe’s most severe conflict since the Second World War, Zelensky’s statement continues to be consistent: no withdrawal, no surrender – and no conviction that yielding to Moscow would result in long-term peace.

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