Ukraine has possible solution on recognition of Crimea, DPR, LPR — Zelensky

Concerning the possibility of Kiev recognizing Crimea as part of Russia and the independence of two self-proclaimed People’s Republics, Vladimir Zelensky pointed out that "it is more difficult than simply acknowledging them"

Ukraine has a possible solution to the issue of recognizing the territories of Crimea and the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR), Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky told ABC on Tuesday.

 "This is another ultimatum and we are not prepared for ultimatums. But we have the possible solution resolution for these <...> key items," Zelensky said responding to a question of whether Kiev continues to reject Moscow’s demands - recognition of Crimea, the DPR and the LPR, as well as Ukraine’s refusal to join NATO, Qazet.az reports. "What needs to be done is for [Russian] President Putin to start talking," the Ukrainian leader added.

Focusing on the question over the possibility of Kiev recognizing Crimea as part of Russia and the independence of two self-proclaimed People’s Republics, Zelensky pointed out that "it is more difficult than simply acknowledging them."

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised address on February 24 that in response to a request by the leaders of the Donbass republics he had made a decision to carry out a special military operation. The Russian head of state stressed that Moscow had no plans of occupying Ukrainian territories.