**Ukraine’s President Zelensky: Diplomatic Efforts May Be Key to Restoring Occupied Territories**
In a visit to the Chernihiv Oblast on April 3, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that diplomatic efforts may be the only way to eventually return some Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. This statement comes as Russia continues to occupy about 20% of Ukraine’s land, including parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine will never recognize the occupied territories as Russian. “These are Ukrainian territories… this is one of the main red lines for us, in any case, this is a temporary occupation of territories,” he said during his visit to Chernihiv. The President’s comments underscored Ukraine’s commitment to regaining control over its territory and maintaining its sovereignty.
**A Long Road to Peace**
The path to peace will be a long one, Zelensky cautioned. A just peace can only be achieved when Ukraine’s territorial integrity is fully restored. This may involve a lengthy diplomatic process, as the President acknowledged that finding a compromise could be necessary for some territories to return over time through diplomatic means.
**Russia’s Actions Under Scrutiny**
Meanwhile, Russia’s actions in Ukraine remain under intense scrutiny. The Russian government has demanded that all Ukrainians living in occupied regions submit to Russian law by September 10 or face legal consequences. This demand has sparked widespread concern among the international community and those advocating for Ukrainian rights.
**International Support for Ukraine**
Despite these challenges, Ukraine continues to receive significant support from the international community. American businesses are willing to return to Russia and fill the vacancies left by European companies that withdrew after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. government has also been engaging in private talks with Russia on the possibility of an unconditional ceasefire.
**Ukraine’s Resilience**
In a display of resilience, Ukrainian officials have continued to work towards restoring communications in front-line territories. Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that Starlinks will be used to help residents stay in touch with relatives and emergency services.
**Losses Mount for Russia**
Russia is facing significant losses due to the conflict. The Finance Ministry reported a loss of roughly 230 billion rubles ($2.7 billion) in tax income compared to March 2024, with oil and gas revenues accounting for one-third of the total state income.
**International Pressure on Russia**
The international community continues to pressure Russia over its actions in Ukraine. NATO’s command and control structures could be used to deploy a “reassurance force” to Ukraine, unnamed officials told the FT. The Danish government has also approved the 25th package of military assistance to Ukraine, worth 6.7 billion Danish kroner ($970 million), which will support Ukraine from 2025 until 2027.
**The Road Ahead**
In conclusion, while diplomatic efforts may be the only way to eventually restore some occupied territories, Ukraine’s President Zelensky remains resolute in his commitment to regaining control over Ukrainian land. As the international community continues to pressure Russia for its actions, it remains to be seen what path forward lies ahead.
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