Zelensky proposes territorial swap with Russia in potential peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview published on Tuesday, said that Ukraine is prepared to offer territory exchange with Russia, emphasised that Europe would not be able to bear the full weight of Ukraine's defense efforts alone, AFP reported.

Zelensky said that Ukraine would propose a territorial swap in any potential peace talks with Russia.

Zelensky is set to meet with US Vice President JD Vance on Friday at the Munich Security Conference, where discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing war. Vance, who has often criticised US involvement, has questioned the long-term commitment of the US to Ukraine's cause.

During the interview with The Guardian, Zelensky dismissed suggestions that Europe could offer security guarantees without American involvement, calling such guarantees insufficient. He argued that genuine security requires the US as a partner.

The Ukrainian president also expressed a willingness to offer territory seized from Russia's Kursk region in exchange for Ukrainian land, though he did not specify which territories might be requested in return. He stressed that all Ukrainian territories are crucial and hold equal importance.

On the diplomatic front, US President Trump is keen to push for a resolution to the conflict. Zelensky highlighted that any potential deal must include robust security guarantees from Washington to prevent Russia from regrouping and renewing hostilities.

Zelensky also revealed plans to offer US companies lucrative reconstruction contracts as a part of Ukraine's post-war rebuilding efforts. He noted Ukraine's rich mineral resources, which he argued are valuable not only for Ukraine but for American businesses as well.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains intense, with Russia making gains in the Donetsk region, where many settlements have been devastated by months of Russian bombardments.