Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Seeks Peace Without Surrender
Ukraine marked its Independence Day while still fighting Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine wants the war to end peacefully.
However, he said Ukraine will not give away land simply to obtain peace.
Russia has demanded that Ukraine surrender the part of Donbas that Russia does not control.
Zelenskiy said this would not guarantee that Russia stops attacking.
Fighting continues along a long frontline, and Russia has increased air strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Ukraine has also attacked Russian refineries and supply routes.
Zelenskiy asked other countries to give Ukraine more help and pressure Russia into negotiations.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine wants peace but will not surrender to Russia.
He rejected Russia’s demand that Ukraine cede its remaining territory in Donbas.
Zelenskiy warned that giving up Donbas would not end Russian aggression.
Foreign leaders gathered in Kyiv for Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day anniversary.
Zelenskiy urged allies to increase support, sanctions and pressure on Russia.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukrainian forces and people, Russia, and foreign leaders supporting Ukraine.
- What
- Ukraine marked its Independence Day as Zelenskiy reaffirmed that it seeks peace but rejects surrendering territory to Russia.
- When
- Monday, during celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union.
- Where
- Kyiv, Ukraine, including the area near St Michael’s monastery.
- Why
- Zelenskiy said surrendering Donbas would not end Russian aggression and urged allies to help bring Russia to negotiations.
Ukraine’s Position
Russia’s Reported Position
Territorial concessions
Ukraine’s Position
Ukraine says it will not surrender Donbas simply to obtain peace and argues that doing so would not stop Russian aggression.
Russia’s Reported Position
Russia is reported to demand that Ukraine cede the remaining part of Donbas that is not under Russian control.
Path to ending the war
Ukraine’s Position
Zelenskiy wants allies to increase sanctions and support while helping bring Russia to the negotiating table.
Russia’s Reported Position
The article says peace talks stalled after Ukraine rejected Russia’s territorial demands.
International response
Ukraine’s Position
Ukraine called on its allies to provide everything needed to stop the war and urged China not to remain silent.
Russia’s Reported Position
Russia’s position, as described in the report, centers on territorial concessions as part of the stalled peace discussions.
- Independence anniversary
- Ukraine marked the 35th anniversary of its break from the Soviet Union.
- Ukraine’s position
- Zelenskiy said Ukraine wants peace but is not prepared to simply surrender.
- Russia’s reported demand
- Russia has demanded that Kyiv cede the remaining part of Donbas not under Russian control.
- Frontline
- Fighting continues along a frontline about 750 miles, or 1,200 kilometers, long.
- Military developments
- Russia’s battlefield advances have slowed this year, while Ukraine has recaptured some territory in the southeast.
- International visitors
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa were among dignitaries in Kyiv.
- Zelenskiy’s requests
- He called for more military support, additional sanctions on Russia and international pressure to bring Moscow to negotiations.