President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will not accept any demand from the Kremlin to declare a neutral status. Speaking at a briefing on 19 May 2025, Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine’s path toward NATO remains unchanged, and any attempt by Russia to force neutrality is not up for discussion.
The Ukrainian Constitution clearly outlines the nation’s sovereign status, and Zelensky noted that the country’s defence policy is anchored in that foundation. “As for the status, Ukraine has a status, it is in the Constitution of Ukraine,” he stated firmly.
The Russian dictator has repeatedly pushed for Ukraine to renounce its NATO aspirations and to pull back its armed forces as part of any agreement to end the full scale war. Zelensky, however, rejected these conditions outright. “No one will withdraw our troops from our territories. This is my constitutional duty. It is the duty of our military to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” he said.
He went on to stress that parts of Ukrainian territory remain temporarily occupied due to ongoing Russian aggression, but underlined that no ultimatums from Moscow would change Kyiv’s course. “No one will give up their land, their territories, their people, their homes,” he added.
Zelensky said that if Russia’s demand for a troop withdrawal is a precondition for peace, it proves the Kremlin has no real desire to end the war. “They clearly understand that Ukraine will not do this. If you ask questions to which you know the answer is negative, then you clearly do not want a result,” he said.
The Ukrainian President also mentioned a previous conversation with US president Donald Trump, in which Trump allegedly told him that Russia was ready for negotiations and willing to make compromises. Zelensky responded to this claim with scepticism, noting, “I do not remember all the details, but nevertheless – we will see.”
Additionally, Ukraine is considering a high level international meeting involving the United States, Russia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. Possible venues discussed include Turkey, the Vatican or Switzerland, though no specific date or confirmation has been announced.
