President says he will consider Ukraine's loss

It is important for Ukraine to preserve the lives of its citizens, but this does not mean that the country is ready to cede a third of its territory to the aggressor in a military confrontation with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this in an interview with the BBC.

For us to lose is to lose our country. Someone says: "So, what is more important for you - territory or people?" How can you compare like that? It's all about people. People are important, but that doesn't mean you can give them (Russians) 30 per cent of our land," he said.

He emphasised that Russia is insidious and aggressive and even the alleged truce with the Kremlin will not guarantee Kiev that the enemy will not attack again.

Who told you that they (Russians - Ed.) will not go further? Who says that a frozen conflict will work? It was already frozen. Who says Putin doesn't want to just destroy us? He does. He just wants the Soviet Union back again under his leadership for the rest of his days. And that's the whole point of this man," the Ukrainian leader pointed out.

He also noted that "losing" is a bad word, as there is no place for a game here, but for confronting an unjust and aggressive attack.