Zelensky: "Any Compromise with Russia Requires a Referendum"... Final Ultimatum Rejected

Russia Strongly Rejects Surrender Demands from Major Cities
Largest Port City Odesa Also Bombarded...Risk of Isolation

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that any compromise with Russia would require a national referendum, indicating no willingness to concede on territorial issues and security guarantees. He also firmly rejected Russia's ultimatum regarding the cities under intensified offensives, such as Mariupol. With little progress in bilateral peace talks, Russia is strengthening its offensive again, focusing on southern Black Sea coastal cities.

On the 21st (local time), President Zelensky said in an interview with Ukraine's public broadcaster Suspilne, "Any compromise with Russia must be subject to a national referendum, and the people should be able to express their opinions, big or small, on the proposal." He added, "The main issues likely to be raised in the referendum are the territorial issues controlled by Russian forces and the matter of other countries providing security guarantees to Ukraine instead of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)."

Regarding the ultimatum and surrender demands sent by Russian forces to cities under attack, including Mariupol, Zelensky clearly expressed refusal. He emphasized, "Ukraine cannot comply with Russia's ultimatum," and stated, "Russia hopes Ukraine will hand over Kharkiv, Mariupol, and the capital Kyiv, but neither the citizens of these cities nor I, as president, can allow this."

Previously, the day before, Russian forces surrounded the southern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, intensified their offensive, issued an ultimatum, and urged surrender. However, the Mariupol city authorities rejected this, leading to the resumption of the offensive. It is reported that Russian forces have blocked Mariupol's main food supply routes and continue indiscriminate bombings.

Additionally, Russian forces launched their first attack on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine's largest southwestern port. According to the Associated Press, the Russian Black Sea Fleet shelled residential areas on the outskirts of Odesa, marking the first shelling of Odesa since the outbreak of the war.

Odesa, with a population of about one million, is Ukraine's largest port city and is considered the last major port area in Ukraine after the fall of key Black Sea coastal cities. There are concerns that if Odesa falls to Russian forces following the already besieged Mariupol, Ukraine's southern coastline will be completely cut off, increasing Ukraine's isolation and economic difficulties.