Ukraine cannot afford to lose tens of thousands of lives for the sake of returning Crimea, – Zelensky – Meduza

Ukraine cannot afford to lose tens of thousands of lives to return Crimea, but the peninsula can be returned through diplomacy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Fox News interview published Wednesday.

Asked whether some occupied territories could remain under Russian control as part of a ceasefire or peace agreement, Zelensky said Kyiv “cannot legally recognize any occupied territory of Ukraine as Russian,” including territories “occupied by Putin to full-scale invasion.” since 2014.” However, he acknowledged that Ukraine currently lacks the military power to force Putin’s troops back to 1991 borders.

When asked whether Ukraine could consider giving up Crimea, Zelensky confirmed his position: “We understand that Crimea can be returned through diplomatic means.”