Zelensky named two reasons why Ukraine cannot currently regain the occupied territories
23 February 09:54
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the country is currently unable to regain all of the territories occupied by Russia for two key reasons: a lack of personnel and a shortage of weapons. The head of state made this statement in an interview with the BBC, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to the president, de-occupation will definitely happen, but it is a matter of time, resources, and international support.
Lack of personnel and weapons: the main constraints on de-occupation
Zelensky emphasized that a large-scale offensive to regain all territories today would mean excessive losses.
“To do this today would mean losing a huge number of people — millions of people — because the Russian army is large, and we understand the cost of such steps. We would not have enough people. And what is land without people? Honestly, nothing,” the president said.
According to him, Ukraine cannot afford offensive actions that would lead to critical personnel losses.
The second reason is the shortage of weapons.
“This depends not only on us, but also on our partners. As of today, this is not the case,” the head of state emphasized.
The return of territories is a matter of time
The president is convinced that Ukraine’s territorial integrity will be restored.
He stressed that returning to the 1991 borders is fair for Ukraine and a strategic goal for the state.
At the same time, the head of state acknowledged that de-occupation should not only be achieved by military means.
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War and diplomacy: parallel paths
Zelensky noted that the liberation of territories should be achieved through both military methods and diplomatic instruments.
Ukraine does not accept Russia’s demands regarding:
- the complete withdrawal of troops from the controlled territories of Donetsk Oblast
- legal recognition of the occupation
- political concessions that contradict the Constitution of Ukraine.
Kyiv considers such demands unacceptable both legally and morally.
Russia’s position and the international context
According to international analysts, Russia continues to insist on harsh conditions during negotiations.
Western intelligence reports indicate that the Kremlin may have broader geopolitical goals than just control over certain regions of Ukraine.
Despite pressure from some international partners to speed up the negotiations, Ukraine insists on the need for security guarantees and a just peace.
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