Zelensky Aide Says Ukraine Open to Russia’s Neutrality Demand, But Won’t Cede Territory

Ukraine is open to discussing neutrality with Russia as long as it gets security guarantees but is not willing to cede a “single inch of territory,” an aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday.

“Surely, we are ready for a diplomatic solution,” Ihor Zhovkva, Zelensky’s deputy chief of staff, told Bloomberg. Zhovka said a precondition for talks is an “immediate cease-fire and withdrawal of Russian troops,” although Ukrainian and Russian officials have already held three rounds of negotiations.

Zhovkva said in order for Ukraine to declare neutrality, it would need security guarantees from the US and other Western countries. “Only security guarantees from Russia will not be enough,” he said.