Ukraine does not have enough weapons to liberate Crimea by force - Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that any negotiations on territorial issues are possible only after a complete and unconditional cease-fire on the part of Russia. At a briefing with journalists, he made it clear that the fate of Ukrainian territories is not a subject of bargaining, neither now nor in the future.

Answering the question about the possibility of temporarily giving up part of the territories for the sake of peace, Zelensky reminded that Ukraine acts within the framework of its Constitution and all its lands belong to the Ukrainian people.

It is not my personal property, it is the property of the nation," he said, adding that the state is obliged to protect its integrity and support the country's development for future generations.

Zelensky paid special attention to the issue of Crimea. He said that Russia's annexation of the peninsula was violent and illegal, accompanied by repression, expulsion of citizens and a falsified "referendum". Ukraine considers Crimea to be a temporarily occupied territory, which is recognised by the vast majority of countries around the world.

Speaking about the prospects for the return of Crimea, Zelensky noted that Ukraine does not have enough weapons to return the peninsula by force. At the same time, he stressed that the country's army exists and continues to fulfil its tasks.

According to the president, apart from the military way, there are still sanctions, diplomatic and economic instruments of pressure that the world can use to return Ukraine to its legitimate borders.

Reacting to former US President Donald Trump's recent remarks about Crimea, Zelensky agreed with the statement about the lack of weapons, but reminded that Ukraine is not ready for concessions until the fighting stops.

"We are open to dialogue and proposals, but the beginning of any process is possible only after one clear signal: Russia must cease fire. Unconditionally and completely," the head of state concluded.