Ukraine insists on ‘territorial integrity’ before Russia talks
Al JazeeraVolodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remains a priority despite earlier suggesting a compromise on the Donbas issue. Russian and Ukrainian negotiators are set to resume face-to-face peace talks in Turkey this week, with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continuing to insist on the “territorial integrity” of his country despite earlier suggesting he was ready for a compromise on the eastern Donbas region, parts of which are controlled by Russian-backed separatist forces. “Our goal is obvious,” he added, “peace and the restoration of normal life of our native state as soon as possible.” But in comments made to Russian journalists earlier in the day, Zelenskyy had adopted a different tone, saying Ukraine was willing to assume neutral status and compromise over the status of the eastern Donbas region as part of a peace deal. It was the first and principal point for the Russian Federation, as far as I recall.” Speaking in Russian, he added, “I understand it’s impossible to force Russia completely from Ukrainian territory. About 170,000 civilians remain trapped in Mariupol without adequate food, water or medicine, as the southern port city is being turned “into dust” by Russian shelling, according to Ukraine’s foreign ministry.