Ukraine will not withdraw troops from its own territory – president

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at a briefing on Monday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"No one will withdraw our troops from our own territory. That is my constitutional duty. It is the duty of our military to defend Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Yes, some areas are temporarily occupied due to the aggression of a much larger country — that is clear. But there will be no ultimatums, and no one will surrender our land, our territory, our people, or our homes," Zelensky said.

He added that if Russia demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Ukrainian soil, it means Moscow is not genuinely seeking a ceasefire or an end to the war.

"If you're asking questions in advance, knowing the answer will be negative, then it's clear you're not truly seeking a result. As for what we just discussed with the U.S. president, he believes that Russia is ready for negotiations and willing to compromise, and so on. I don't remember all the details, but still — we'll see," Zelensky said.

On Monday, May 19, U.S. President Donald Trump held phone calls with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.