Zelenskyy on Ukraine's neutrality: It was an ultimatum, not a peace proposal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reveals that during negotiations with Russia at the start of the invasion, Ukraine was presented with a harsh ultimatum, which included not only a reduction of the army but also the surrender of part of its territories.

This was stated by President Zelenskyy on March 20 during a press conference with the Prime Minister of Norway.

According to him, Russia demanded that Ukraine reduced its army to between 50,000 and 80,000 troops, whereas the Ukrainian Armed Forces currently number around 800,000, and it is this number that enables them to effectively counter the aggressor.

The Kremlin also insisted that Ukraine agreed to the so-called neutrality, that is abandoning any defensive alliances. Moreover, Moscow demanded the recognition of the occupied territories as Russian.

"This was not an option to end the war, but a real ultimatum," Zelenskyy emphasized.

Additionally, the President of Ukraine stated that Western sanctions against Russia could only be eased if Russia fulfills two conditions: withdrawal of its troops from Ukrainian territory and compensation for damages.

Read also:

• The occupiers are hiding in basements and accumulating forces: A military man discusses the situation in Vovchansk

• The Russians heavily attacked Kropyvnytskyi: What was hit and what is known about the victims

• Threat in Sumy region: Zelenskyy states that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are taking steps "in a different direction"

• Russia launches fiery "carpets" on Ukraine: An expert warns of new threat from Putin

• Odesa is on fire, the city is repelling a drone assault: There are victims