The threat of losing control over Crimea may compel the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to engage in serious negotiations with Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with ABCNews.
In the interview, Zelensky did not refute the reports that Ukrainian officials discussed with CIA Director William Burns a scenario in which the advancement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine towards Crimea could compel Putin to initiate negotiations.
“It is a clear and logical rhetoric that at the moment when Ukraine reaches the administrative border with the temporarily occupied Ukrainian peninsula, Crimea, it is very likely that Putin will be forced to seek avenues for dialogue with the civilized world because he will be significantly weakened,” said Zelensky.
He also confirmed that Ukraine will not make any territorial compromises.
“Crimea is Ukrainian territory,” emphasized the President.