Janice R. Andrews
The Kremlin has outright dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for a territorial exchange, calling it “impossible.” On February 12, Zelensky suggested trading occupied parts of Russia’s Kursk region for nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory currently under Russian control.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov firmly rejected the idea, stating, “Russia has never discussed and will never discuss an exchange involving its territory.” He warned that Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region would be “annihilated or driven out,” signaling no willingness to compromise.
The sharp response comes amid ongoing tensions, with Moscow launching strikes on Kyiv the same day. Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “not preparing for peace,” raising doubts about an imminent resolution to the conflict.
As diplomatic efforts falter, the war shows no signs of ending, leaving the international community concerned about escalating violence and prolonged instability in the region.
