Zelensky Suggests Land Swaps Amid Positive US-Russia Developments

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to discuss land swaps with Russia, coinciding with the recent release of a US prisoner, Marc Fogel. In an interview with The Guardian, Zelensky stated, “We will swap one territory for another,” indicating a shift from his previous stance against territorial concessions amid ongoing negotiations to end the conflict. This development follows Fogel’s release, which was characterized by the Trump administration as a goodwill gesture, potentially paving the way for further diplomatic efforts, according to National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

Zelensky's willingness to negotiate now includes trading land in Russia’s Kursk region that Ukraine had seized last year. He noted that true security guarantees would require US support, saying, “Security guarantees without America are not real security guarantees.” The prisoner’s release marks a significant diplomatic moment, with the US envoy Steve Witkoff having facilitated the arrangement. Although reactions from Russia have yet to emerge, the landscape for potential negotiations appears to be shifting.

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