Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is prepared to pursue diplomatic solutions to reclaim Russian-occupied territories in the future, rather than relying solely on military force, according to an interview with Axios.

The president outlined conditions under which diplomatic channels could become viable. “I think this is a good compromise for everyone,” Zelenskyy said.

He said that diplomatic efforts would be considered if Ukraine cannot retake the territories militarily or if a ceasefire is established.

Despite openness to diplomatic solutions, Zelenskyy maintained Ukraine’s firm stance on territorial integrity. “We will never recognize these territories that are occupied by Russia. We cannot do this,” Zelenskyy said. He emphasized that Ukraine will not agree to territorial concessions to Russia nor recognize Russian authority over occupied lands.

The interview builds on previous statements by Zelenskyy regarding Ukraine’s position on occupied territories. On 12 August, the president accused Putin of deliberately demanding Ukrainian military withdrawal from Donbas, knowing Ukraine would refuse, because “he doesn’t want peace.”

Zelenskyy has consistently said that Ukraine will not “forgive its land to the occupier,” pointing to the Constitution as the foundation for Ukraine’s territorial stance. In late August, the Defense Ministry announced Ukraine has developed a 10-15 year strategic vision for returning occupied territories.

As of late September 2025, Russia occupies approximately 17-18% of Ukraine’s territory. This is around 124,000 to 130,000 square kilometers under Russian control, primarily in eastern and southern parts of Ukraine including significant portions of the Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, as well as parts of southern oblasts. Russian forces have been slowly advancing, with some recent territorial gains reported, but the majority of Ukraine remains outside Russian occupation.