Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would offer territories that Ukrainian troops control in the Kursk region of Russia in the areas that Russian soldiers currently occupy if there is negotiation.
“We will exchange one territory for another,” said Zelensky in an interview with the British newspaper Guardian published on Tuesday (11).
He did not specify the Ukrainian territories he would ask for in return. “I don’t know, we’ll see. But all our territories are important, there is no priority, ”he added.
Russia currently occupies about 20% of the Ukrainian territory in the east and south of the country, while the war approaches its third “birthday.”
Ukraine made a surprise offensive in the Kursk region of Russia west in August last year and still maintains part of the territory, although it has lost part of the region by Russian counterattacks.
Ukrainian authorities point out that Operation Kursk aimed to protect border regions and that the captured land could be used as a currency in any peace negotiations whose perspectives have increased since Donald Trump took over as president of the US.
Zelensky repeatedly emphasized that any plan to end the war in Ukraine must provide strong guarantees of allies security to ensure that no Russian aggression happens in the future.
Trump said on Friday that he would probably meet Zelensky this week to discuss the end of the war. He indicated on Sunday (9) that he was in contact with Putin, without specifying when. Kremlin has not confirmed or denied these contacts.
Understand the war between Russia and Ukraine
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and entered the territory for three fronts: the Russian border, the Crimea and Belarus, a strong -ally country of Kremlin.
Forces loyal to President Vladimir Putin has achieved significant advances in the early days, but the Ukrainians managed to maintain Kiev control, even though the city was also attacked. The invasion was criticized internationally and Kremlin was the target of economic sanctions from the West.
In October 2024, after thousands of dead, the war in Ukraine came into what analysts described as the most dangerous moment so far.
Tensions rose when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the use of an intermediate hypersonic missile during an attack on Ukrainian soil. The projectile carried conventional warheads, but is able to bring nuclear material.
The launch came after Ukraine made an offensive within the Russian territory using weapons made by Western powers such as the United States, the United Kingdom and France.
Western intelligence denounces that Russia is using North Korea troops in the conflict in Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang do not deny or confirm the account.
President Vladimir Putin, who replaced his defense minister in May, said the Russian forces are advancing much more effectively – and that Russia will achieve all its goals in Ukraine, although it has given no details.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he believed Putin’s main goals are to occupy the entire Donbass region, covering the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, and expel the Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region of Russia, of which have controlled parts since August .
This content was originally published in Zelensky says he agrees to exchange territories with Russia; Understand on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil

Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.