“Ukraine has no intention of holding a referendum on territorial concessions to Russia”, – says Yermak

Kyiv does not intend to put the issue of territorial concessions to Moscow to a nationwide referendum.

This was stated by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian president’s office, in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

When asked by the journalist whether a referendum could be held on constitutional amendments recognizing Russian occupation, Yermak answered negatively.

According to him, Kyiv does not plan to give up its territories, but President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to discuss territorial issues with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.

“Zelensky has made it clear: all territorial issues will be discussed at his bilateral meeting with Putin; moreover, negotiations must begin from the current front line, and in any case we will not renounce our national territories. We recognize the situation created by the war and want to discuss it. At this moment we are not prepared to cede any part of our land. But today we are realists and know that the aggressor has occupied certain regions, and so far we cannot liberate them by military means,” Yermak said.

It should be recalled that Zelensky has repeatedly referred to the Ukrainian Constitution, stating that it does not allow recognition of Russian occupation.