Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (from left), US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has once again rejected Russia's demand for "territorial concessions" as a key condition for ending the war. He also announced plans to send a related document to the United States in the near future.

According to AP and Reuters on December 9 (local time), President Zelensky said in a WhatsApp audio Q&A with reporters the previous night, "There is no doubt that Russia is demanding that we give up our territory," adding, "We clearly do not want to give up anything." He emphasized, "Whether under our own laws, international law, or moral principles, we have no right to give up anything."

Russia is demanding that Ukraine recognize as Russian territory the entire eastern Donbas region, including about 30% of the area not under Ukrainian control. This issue is reportedly included in the ceasefire proposal currently being mediated by the administration of former US President Donald Trump.

In contrast, Ukraine and major European countries are refusing to make any territorial concessions. The US and Ukrainian delegations coordinated the ceasefire proposal over three days from the 4th to the 6th, but did not disclose the details. However, Axios, citing a Ukrainian official, reported that "provisions regarding territory and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant have become tougher in the latest US proposal."

President Zelensky stated on X that "the components of Ukraine and Europe have further developed and are ready to be presented to the United States." He said, "Everything depends on whether Russia is prepared to take effective measures to stop the bloodshed and prevent the war from reigniting," adding, "A refined document will be sent to the United States in the near future."

Meanwhile, in an interview with Politico, former President Trump stated, "Russia holds the advantage in the negotiations," and added, "It would be good for him (Zelensky) to read the latest US ceasefire proposal. His aides liked it as well." Regarding his son Donald Trump Jr.'s comment that "Trump might withdraw from the Ukraine issue," he said, "That's not correct, but it's not entirely wrong either," emphasizing, "They need to cooperate."

When asked what he would do if Zelensky refused to agree, Trump said, "He needs to understand the situation and start accepting it," adding, "He is losing." He repeatedly claimed that "Russia has taken a lot of land" and "Russia holds the advantage," insisting that Russia is in a favorable position in the negotiations.

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Criticizing the attitudes of Ukraine and Europe, Trump said, "They (Europe) only talk and do nothing. The war just continues." Targeting President Zelensky, he added, "They haven't held elections for a long time. While talking about democracy, they have reached a point where it is no longer democracy." This effectively lent support to Russia's argument, which has long demanded Zelensky's reelection since his term ended in May last year, even though he remains in power under martial law due to the ongoing war.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky, who is traveling across Europe seeking support, reportedly communicated with reporters via online voice messages due to his busy schedule. The previous day, he met with the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, and then met with the NATO Secretary General and the President of the European Commission in Brussels. On this day, he held meetings in Rome with the Pope and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.