His Troops Don't Have Forced Rebuttal Capabilities, President Zelensky Wants To Restore Ukrainian Territory Through Diplomacy

Ukrainian military illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Ministry of Defense of Ukraine)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday his country was trying to end the war with Russia early and return some of its territory to Moscow through diplomacy, after Kyiv's NATO membership (North Atlanti Defense Pact) became certain.

In an exclusive interview with Kyodo News at the presidential palace in Kyiv, President Zelensky said it was honestly difficult to retake several Russian-occupied state areas, including Russia's annexed Crimea in 2014.

"Our army does not have the power to do that. That's true," he said, according to Kyodo News December 2.

"We really have to find a diplomatic solution," he continued.

However, he went on to say the measures could be considered "only if we know that we are strong enough" so Russia cannot launch new aggression against Ukraine.

President Zelensky, who continues to see NATO membership as indispensable for Ukraine's security and prosperity, underlined the war has entered a "complex period."

By signaling Ukraine's readiness to negotiate the return of some parts of the occupied territory after the conflict ends, provided the required terms are met, its statement appears to represent a shift from the position it has long held, Ukraine will struggle to regain all territory captured by Russia.

On that occasion, President Zelensky expressed his appreciation to Japan, the United States, South Korea and many European countries and other countries that have provided assistance to Ukraine and imposed sanctions on Russia.

However, President Zelensky stressed further aid was needed to strengthen Ukraine.