Zelensky Says Ukraine Would Do ‘Everything’ but Cannot Budge on Crimea (2025)

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine is fulfilling all proposals made by its international partners, while emphasizing that it “cannot do only what contradicts our Constitution.”

He revealed that all provisions of the so-called “mineral agreement” that conflicted with Ukraine’s Constitution had been removed, and the parties signed a memorandum that fully complies with Ukrainian law.

Speaking at a press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, he said:

“We are doing everything that our partners propose, and we cannot do only what contradicts our Constitution,” Zelensky said.

“And this is clear – even our struggle for the independence of our state, for our sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is our survival. And here we are absolutely direct and transparent,” he added.

“Sitting at the table with terrorists” a major compromise

Zelensky called the fact that “Ukraine is ready to sit at the negotiating table with terrorists,” referring to Russia’s leadership, a major compromise.

“We were attacked, we were occupied, many children and adults were buried alive. This is a big compromise that we are ready to sit at the negotiating table with terrorists.”

He also reported that on Thursday morning, April 24, Ukraine came under a large-scale Russian attack.

“More than 200 air targets. These are missiles, including ballistic missiles, and strike drones. Unfortunately, there is destruction, losses in the capital and in our other cities,” he said.

According to Zelensky, over 80 people were injured in the attack, and there are confirmed fatalities.

“In Kyiv, among the dead are a brother and sister, the boy was 21 years old, the girl was 19. My condolences to everyone. Rescue operations are still ongoing,” he added.

Zelensky cut short his visit to South Africa due to the Russian strikes, but said that Ukraine’s Foreign Minister remained in the country to show respect and conduct all planned meetings.

Zelensky rejects idea of concessions on Crimea amid Trump talks

He also responded to US President Donald Trump’s reported condition that Ukraine gives up on claims to Crimea.

“The US offered its vision, there was a meeting in London. There was an appropriate strategy that they offered. Our team, the European team, and US representatives talked constructively, and the appropriate points appeared on paper. I believe that today this format, this document is on President Trump’s desk,” Zelensky said.

“Anything that contradicts our values ​​or our constitution cannot be in any agreements,” he added.

Russia was hoping for “scandal” at London talks

Zelensky said Russia had been hoping for a “big scandal” to erupt during high-level negotiations in London on Thursday, where officials from Ukraine, European countries, and the US met to discuss efforts toward ending the war.

“Yesterday, there was a conversation. It was not simple, but constructive. It ended not with disagreements, but still with a desire to work further,” Zelensky told journalists.

He added, “I am sure that Russia was counting on a big scandal yesterday and even some emotions were heard in the media. But these are all emotions.”

The president said that Moscow continues to exert pressure not only on Ukraine but also on its partners, particularly the US, and he linked this to Thursday’s large-scale missile and drone strikes across Ukraine.

“Russia does not like the alliance around Ukraine, because if Ukrainians are alone, they will become an easy target for Russia,” he said.

“Although, to be honest, over the three years of war we have become quite strong, we survived the first days of the war, when we were almost alone,” he added.

While he emphasized that Ukrainians are now significantly stronger, Zelensky said they still desire peace more than anyone else.

Children and POWs: Zelensky urges South Africa to step up role

According to Zelensky, the meeting with the South African President began with efforts to achieve a ceasefire and end the war. The second topic on the agenda was the return of Ukrainian children forcibly deported by Russia.

“I handed over to the President of South Africa a list of 400 Ukrainian children who are currently in Russia against their will... The Russians have kidnapped tens of thousands of children in Ukraine from the occupied territory,” Zelensky said.

He emphasized that Ukraine must bring all of the children home, “as well as thousands of prisoners, military and civilian, who have been held in Russian prisons for years.”

Zelensky also highlighted South Africa’s role in the international effort to return the children: “South Africa is a co-leader in the global coalition for the return of Ukrainian children. I hope that the President will help us return them.”

Zelensky: “Patience will not last among Ukrainians”

When asked whether the US might alter its stance due to reports that Trump’s “patience” with the war was running out, Zelensky pushed back.

“It doesn’t work like that. If Russia declares that it is ready for a ceasefire – they need to stop the massive strikes on Ukraine,” he said. “Therefore... patience will not last among Ukrainians. Because we are under attack, no one else.”

Zelensky also voiced disappointment over the current level of US pressure on the Kremlin.

“President Trump said that if one of the parties does not agree to a complete ceasefire and other additional steps that bring the end of the war closer, there will be strong steps, sanctions, etc,” he said. “I do not see strong pressure on Russia now.”

He reiterated that Ukraine believes intensified pressure on Moscow could help bring the warring parties closer to a full ceasefire: “This is step number one.”

This story might be updated.