KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that the issue of territorial control will be a key factor in peace talks following a ceasefire, emphasizing that Ukraine will not recognize occupied regions as part of Russia.

“The issue of territories is the most difficult after the ceasefire. Because a ceasefire unlocks the path for both sides to end the war. And I believe that territories will, in reality, be the point that makes it possible to end the war once this issue is resolved," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

"That is why I see these as two challenging moments. The first is difficult because it requires courage and political will. The second — because it involves a complex dialogue,” he said.

He stressed that Ukraine’s international partners understand its stance on occupied territories. “This is my political will as president. And it is the political will of our people. This is a violation of international law and the Constitution of Ukraine,” he stated.

Zelenskyy noted that territorial matters were not explicitly mentioned in the official document following talks between Ukrainian and US negotiators in Saudi Arabia, but it does not mean the topic was not discussed.

Ukraine and its Western allies have consistently called for the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity, while Russia continues to assert control over occupied regions. — Agencies