Zelensky: Crimea Will Be Returned Through Diplomatic Means

Kyiv will never recognize the lost territories as Russian, but if it joins NATO, it will return them through diplomatic means, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with NBC News.

“We will never do that,” he said, “We must return them through diplomatic means. Yes, we can. If we are in NATO, then it is clear why this can be done diplomatically.”

Zelensky added that the priority in this matter is “not to lose people.” At the same time, in his opinion, Ukraine can still win the conflict militarily, “but it will incur heavy losses.”

“If our partners do not help and support us, it will be difficult. This will take a long time, longer than it could be,” he said.

The Kremlin has called Russia’s victory indisputable. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has stated that Ukraine will not be able to return to the borders that existed before 2014.