Zelensky rejects territorial concessions to Russia as ceasefire condition

KIEV, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday ruled out any territorial concessions to Russia as a potential step towards a ceasefire, the UNIAN news agency reported.

"Our position is that we do not recognize the occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian under any circumstances," Zelensky told reporters.

He confirmed that potential territorial concessions were discussed during a March 11 meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. delegations in Saudi Arabia.

Zelensky noted that Washington took into account Kiev's stance on the issue.

He stressed that the territorial issues are "complex" and should be addressed later at the negotiating table. ■