Ukraine will never recognize Russian occupation but is open to diplomatic resolution as part of NATO — Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine will never legally recognize its occupied territories as part of Russia. However, the country is open to discussing their diplomatic return if Ukraine joins NATO.

In an interview with NBC News, as reported by Rubryka, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's stance:

"Judicially, we will not recognize … our occupied territory like territory of Russia. We will never do it."

At the same time, he expressed willingness to negotiate the status of these territories as part of a diplomatic agreement that would secure Ukraine's NATO membership.

"Yes, we have to return it (occupied territory – ed.) diplomatically. Yes, we can. If we are in NATO, it's understandable why diplomatically, it's very understandable," Zelensky said.

He emphasized that preserving human lives is the top priority. While Ukraine will seek diplomatic solutions to restore its territorial integrity, "the people are most important for today."

President Zelensky remains confident that Ukraine can achieve military victory but acknowledges the heavy toll it would take.

"Of course, we can win. But it's too many losses…If our partners do not help, support, it will be difficult. It will be long. Longer than it can be," he explained.

Zelensky also dismissed Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's claims of readiness for a ceasefire, stating that negotiations with him alone would amount to a "dialogue with a terrorist."

When asked what he would say to Putin in a peace meeting, Zelensky avoided a direct response, instead calling him a "killer" and a "terrorist."

"He is a killer, and he will never change," Zelensky said. "And that's why this is the dialogue with a terrorist. This is dialogue with a killer. I don't have such power, enough power to push him out. That's why I have to speak about it. So, our allies can give me such power to push him out."

At the Munich Security Conference, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed rumors about possible talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine, allegedly set to take place next week in Saudi Arabia.

Zelensky stated that he had no information about such meetings and that Ukraine had neither participated in discussions nor held negotiations on the matter. While he had seen media reports about a potential meeting, he was unaware of its details.

The president emphasized that Ukraine would not accept negotiations in an outdated format where key decisions are made without its direct involvement. Talks where Ukraine is treated as an 'extra' participant, as in the past, cannot be taken seriously.

Andrii Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, also dismissed reports of meetings with Russia as false. He underscored the need for a concrete plan before any negotiations take place.

"The president made it clear: Ukraine will not accept any agreement made without its participation. We also need US security guarantees. We will never agree to decisions that go against Ukraine's interests. Negotiations are ongoing," Yermak said.

He noted that this year's Munich Conference was one of the most significant in recent years, suggesting that discussions may have laid the groundwork for a plan to end the war.

Yermak also highlighted a substantive conversation with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Keith Kellogg, the U.S. President's Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia.