Zelenskyy says territorial concessions remain Ukraine’s ‘biggest challenge’

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Caolán MageeDecember 1, 2025 at 11:50 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that protecting Ukraine's territorial integrity is the country's "biggest challenge" in ongoing negotiations to end the war with Russia. Speaking in Paris on December 1, 2025, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for security guarantees and the prevention of concessions that would legitimize Russia's occupation. His comments followed discussions with European and US officials, including US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Macron reiterated that Ukraine must decide its own territorial boundaries. The meetings are part of an intensified diplomatic effort to end the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Paris ×240% United States ×360% Steve Witkoff ×260% Emmanuel Macron ×370% Russia ×480% Vladimir Putin ×280% Ukraine ×5100% Volodymyr Zelenskyy ×5100%

Keywords

territorial integrity 90% ukraine 90% war 80% russia 80% negotiations 70% security guarantees 70% diplomatic push 60% sovereignty 60% concessions 60% peace agreement 50%