President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized, that the most difficult topic of real negotiations between Ukraine and Russia will be the issue of occupied territories. As an UNIAN correspondent reports, Zelensky said this on briefing after meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

"Of course, the issue of territories is a very sensitive issue, a very specific and, in fact, the most complex issue," Zelenskyy noted.

At the same time, he noted that the Russians have a different position.

"They really want to occupy everything. But now, before any ceasefire, they want to conclude an agreement on land, on our territories, etc. Our position is this - first we need a ceasefire. So, we have to sit down at the table and talk, and to understand where we are. And I think this is the most important first step. I think the president (Trump) understands that the most difficult issue in any negotiations, in any format of negotiations, will be territory. It's a pity, but the territory of Ukraine," Zelensky stressed.

Zelensky was also asked whether during the negotiations at the White House today, the American side made proposals regarding concessions to Ukraine on the issue of territories. The president said:

"We understand the Russian proposal. You remember those exchanges of territories and so on. I'm not sure that Russia has changed its position. I'm not sure. We haven't had any meetings to understand the positions of the two sides."

At the same time, the head of state added that no one will be able to end the war without Ukraine. He reiterated that the issue of territories is a sensitive topic.

"You will see that this will be a very difficult moment in these negotiations. But I am sure that we will have negotiations," Zelenskyy stressed.

The Ukrainian president was also asked about Trump's post that Ukraine and Russia should stop fighting where it is currently taking place and simultaneously declare"victory" in the war. He replied:

"I agree with the president - both sides need to stop."

The head of state added that Trump is right.

"And he is right, the president is right. We must stop where we are. It is important to stop where we are and then speak," Zelenskyy replied.

However, as Zelensky adds, if"one person doesn't want" to talk, there are other people, groups who will meet and discuss what to do, how to take real steps towards a truly just and lasting peace. He added that everything rests on Putin's position, because Ukraine did not want this war.

At the same time, the President of Ukraine assured that he is open to a bilateral, trilateral meeting, or in any other format. But this format should bring Ukraine closer to peace.

War in Ukraine - Trump's statements

As UNIAN reported, on September 23, Trump stated that Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and reclaim original territories.

On October 16, Trump said that Ukraine allegedly wants to go on the offensive, and the United States"will have to make a decision" about this.

As is known, Ukraine does not recognize the occupation of Ukrainian territories by Russia.