'This is treason': diplomat reveals red line Ukraine won't cross in talks with Russia

He shared his opinions on Espreso TV.

“There is no legal mechanism for Ukraine to recognize the occupied territories as part of Russia. The Constitution of Ukraine clearly states that anyone who signs any document transferring territory will be held accountable for treason. Sooner or later, that person will receive a life sentence for such actions. For example, in Finland, a prime minister was once forced to sign a document transferring certain territories under the control of the USSR. A few days later, he shot himself. In Ukraine’s legal framework, there is no legitimacy for such a decision. Today, we are facing the fact of occupation and the current inability to push the occupier out of our territory. And this situation may continue,” Chaly explained.

The diplomat emphasized that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fully understands the situation, as such a decision would be a mistake for anyone leading the country.

“Today, Putin has no chance of legally securing the transfer of four Ukrainian regions under Russia’s control. It would not only be treason but also a grave mistake for anyone at the head of the state. That’s why I’m not surprised by President Zelenskyy’s statement. It is completely appropriate and demonstrates an understanding of the situation,” he added.

• On March 11, the Ukrainian and American delegations met in Jeddah, following which Kyiv agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, and the United States agreed to immediately resume intelligence sharing and security assistance.
• On March 13, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was briefed by the Ukrainian delegation on their negotiations with the United States in Saudi Arabia.