Ukraine won't cede territory in ceasefire talks: Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that while Kiev seeks a ceasefire, it will not accept any territorial concessions to Russia, reported Xinhua.

At a joint press conference following a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Wednesday in Helsinki, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity remain non-negotiable when asked about the "red lines" in potential armistice talks.

He stressed that a ceasefire would eventually be implemented, but Ukraine would not accept Russia's territorial demands.

Zelensky declined to comment on details of a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said he would wait until speaking with Trump directly before making a statement.

In a telephone call on Tuesday, Putin and Trump discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and ways to restore bilateral ties.

While not ruling out future negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, Zelensky insisted that talks could only proceed if Russia halted its attacks. He also reiterated Ukraine's readiness to send a delegation to the United States for ceasefire discussions.

Stubb reiterated Finland's continued support for Ukraine, stressing that "Ukraine must emerge from the war as an independent country."

Stubb underlined that besides the Ukrainian, Russian and U.S. teams, there should also be a European team in the talks.

Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Finland on Tuesday on an official visit.

The formal talks held at the Presidential Palace focused on Finland’s support for Ukraine and steps to end Russia’s war of aggression, said the President Office in a press release on Wednesday.

Zelenskyy’s programme also included meetings with Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

In the afternoon, President Stubb and President Zelenskyy and their spouses met students at the University of Helsinki, and the Presidents discussed the topic “Europe Standing with Ukraine” in front of an audience in the Great Hall of the university’s main building.