Zelensky: "Ukraine will not accept Russian ultimatums"

Ukraine will not accept "Russian ultimatums" and will not withdraw troops from the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, Volodymyr Zelensky said after a conversation with US leader Donald Trump, TSN reports. The leaders phoned after the latter's telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky added that Ukraine is not going to abandon its intention to join NATO and proclaim its neutral status.

As Bloomberg wrote, at the first direct talks between the delegations of Moscow and Kiev in Istanbul on May 16 in three years, the Russian side put forward "tough demands", including the neutral status of Ukraine and recognition for Russia of Crimea, DNR, LNR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions. Also, according to the agency, Moscow expressed its readiness to agree to a ceasefire if Ukraine withdraws its troops from the last four regions.
According to an unnamed senior Ukrainian government official, Zelensky and Trump spoke for 10-15 minutes, with Zelensky urging Trump to tighten sanctions against Russia.

"A ceasefire needs to be established, and if that doesn't happen, sanctions will be necessary," Zelensky said.