Zelensky Sends Mixed Messages About Ukraine’s Willingness To Compromise

The Ukrainian leader said he is open to "compromise" on the country’s Donbas region. Zelensky then said he would prioritize the "territorial integrity" of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country was willing to “compromise” over the country’s Donbas region. A core Russian demand has been that Ukraine gives up its territorial claim to the republics of Donetsk and Luhansk. However, Zelensky then appeared to contradict himself saying he would prioritize the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine.

The earlier statement was first time Zelensky has signaled a willingness to negotiate about giving up territory. Last week, he told CNN, “There are compromises for which we cannot be ready as an independent state. Any compromises related to our territorial integrity and our sovereignty."

His later statement is more similar to the posture he took in his CNN interview. The mixed messages come before planned talks with Russia in Turkey.

Moscow demands that Ukraine recognize the Crimea Peninsula as Russian territory and the independence of the Donbas republics. President Joe Biden was asked about the Russian demand on Thursday. Biden said he did not think Kyiv would have to take that step, but it was up to Ukraine.