Zelensky Says Ukraine–Russia Territorial Talks Will Be Held Privately With Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on 18 August that questions concerning territorial control in the war with Russia will be decided privately between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The issue of territory is an issue that we will leave between me and Putin,” Zelensky told reporters, according to multiple media outlets. The comment marks one of Zelensky’s most direct public indications that any potential territorial concessions or border adjustments would be negotiated directly with the Kremlin rather than through broader multilateral forums. He did not elaborate on whether intermediary parties would be involved, nor did he outline a timeline for such talks.