Zelensky made an important statement regarding negotiations about Ukraine's territories

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an important statement about the powers of the Ukrainian delegation in the negotiation process with Russia. The head of state clearly outlined the boundaries of competence of his representatives.

"Our delegation has a mandate to discuss humanitarian issues - issues of prisoners of war and [return of] children - or ceasefire. However, they do not have a mandate to discuss Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Zelensky stated in an interview with Hungarian publication Valasz Online.

The Ukrainian leader emphasized that territorial issues remain exclusively within his competence. "It is my job to negotiate about territories," the president stated categorically.

Zelensky also indicated that he is ready to discuss territorial matters only at the highest level - directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In conclusion of his statement, the Ukrainian president confirmed Kyiv's principled position: Ukraine does not recognize the lost territories as "de jure Russian".