Waltz expects Ukraine to trade its occupied territories for security guarantees, and Zelenskyy promptly responds.

In coming peace talks, Ukraine will need to temporarily cede territories currently occupied by Russia in order to receive security guarantees that Russia will comply with, according to US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. He clarified that security would need to be guaranteed by European nations.

“This requires all parties to come to the same negotiating table. We are diligently working to advance these negotiations,” he remarked.

At the same time, Waltz noted that support from the US would still be a topic of discussion.

“But one thing is clear – we do not view Ukraine as a NATO member, as that would automatically involve American troops,” Waltz added.

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine does not intend to concede any occupied territories to Russia. “Any peace agreement that involves such concessions will not be peace – it will be a forced surrender.”

However, the Kremlin will never consent to an agreement stipulating that the occupied territories remain under Ukrainian control.