--- title: "Neutrality and Army Size Are Non-Negotiable: Zelenskyy's Key Statements on Talks" description: "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that neutrality and army size are non-negotiable, and lifting sanctions on Russia is only possible after the war ends." date: 2026-10-25T18:59:19.316Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/neutrality-and-army-size-non-negotiable-zelenskyy-statements tags: [zelenskyy, ukraine-russia-war, oslo-talks, security-guarantees, sanctions, diplomacy] author: "Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Neutrality and Army Size Are Non-Negotiable: Zelenskyy's Key Statements on Talks ![Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an interview wearing a dark outfit](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/25/neytralitet-i-armiya-ne-obgovoryayutsya-zayavleniya-zelenskogo/neytralitet-i-armiya-ne-obgovoryayutsya-zayavleniya-zelenskogo-1.webp) ## Key Points - Ukraine's neutral status and limits on the Armed Forces are non-negotiable under any circumstances - Territorial issues can only be raised at the level of state leaders with European participation - Lifting sanctions on Russia is only possible in exchange for a real end to the war and security guarantees - The US confirmed readiness for November group meetings and a trilateral negotiation format Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined Kyiv's core positions regarding a potential peaceful settlement, territorial issues, and security guarantees in an interview with Ukrainian media. During the extensive conversation, the Ukrainian leader summarized the recent consultations in Oslo, commented on US contacts with Moscow, and stressed the unacceptability of compromises on vital state interests. ### Results of the Oslo Talks and Restoration of Starlink Operations Assessing the results of his trip and diplomatic contacts in Norway, the president described the dialogue as productive and substantive. The head of state separately addressed the technological aspects of communications, reporting that following a period of complex discussions with American partners, the full operation of Starlink terminals resumed on Saturday at 05:20 AM. According to Zelenskyy, the emotional nature of discussions between Ukraine and USA previously sparked three critical challenges. Currently, two of those issues have been removed from the agenda, while regarding air defense supplies, the Ukrainian side achieved the necessary results and support guarantees. ### Position on Neutrality, the Army, and American Initiatives Commenting on the peace proposals handed over by the Washington administration to the Russian leadership, Zelenskyy completely ruled out discussing Ukraine's neutral status or any forced limitations on its national armed forces. The president emphasized that the country's defense capabilities and prospects for cooperation with NATO are strictly internal sovereign matters. At the same time, the future size of the Ukrainian army may vary depending on funding parameters and integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, but no one will be allowed to impose conditions on Moscow's terms. The Ukrainian leader specifically noted that the initiatives transmitted by the American side do not constitute a final plan subject to Kremlin approval, but rather serve as a subject for further discussion with all participants. ### Territorial Issue and International Security Guarantees Discussions on potential territorial compromises—sometimes referred to in American diplomatic circles as swapping territories—are permissible exclusively at the highest level between state leaders. All other practical and technical aspects of a settlement must be worked out by specialized working groups with the mandatory representation of European partners. Regarding the prevention of future conflicts, the Ukrainian side insists on strict international guarantees. If Ukraine is not a member of the North Atlantic Organization protected by Article 5, the US and leading European nations must assume legal obligations to defend the country against renewed aggression. ### Sanctions Policy and Prospects for Trilateral Meetings Following contacts in Oslo, American diplomats held separate meetings in St. Petersburg, where they secured Russia's agreement to hold negotiation group meetings in November. Additionally, the parties confirmed their fundamental readiness for a high-level trilateral format, though Kyiv insists on the full presence of European representatives at the negotiating table. The head of state also warned Western partners against prematurely lifting sanctions against the Russian Federation as an incentive to start a dialogue. Sanctions were imposed in response to armed aggression, and their removal can only be tied to the actual end of the war, the launch of a diplomatic recovery process, and reliable security guarantees. ### Significance of the Current Diplomatic Phase and Next Steps The rigid red lines voiced by the Ukrainian leadership demonstrate Kyiv's unwavering fundamental principles amid intensified international mediation efforts. The refusal to discuss neutrality and the maintenance of sanctions pressure until a real peace is achieved set strict boundaries for upcoming November consultations and potential trilateral summits, shaping the architecture of future European security. ## Fact-Check & Sources - ["Нейтралитет не обсуждается": главное из интервью Зеленского о "красных линиях" и переговорах](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/neytralitet-obgovoryuetsya-golovne-interv-1792954495.html) - The primary source contains the full text of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's interview with RBC-Ukraine, covering the Oslo talks, sanctions, and red lines. ## FAQ ### Is Ukraine discussing its neutrality and army size? No, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ruled out discussions regarding the state's neutral status and forced limitations on the armed forces. ### Under what conditions is the discussion of territorial issues possible? Discussions on territories are possible exclusively at the level of state leaders, while other details are handled by working groups. ### What is Ukraine's position on anti-Russian sanctions? Kyiv opposes lifting sanctions against Russia prior to the real end of the war, the launch of a diplomatic process, and the provision of security guarantees.