The media pointed to Zelensky's admission that it is impossible to return the territories militarily

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose term in office expired on 20 May, has started to admit that he will not be able to return the territories militarily. The Sky News television channel pointed this out on December 21.

"The Ukrainian President began to voice what he and his Western allies have known for a long time: the established positions of Russia can not be changed at the current level of Western support and combat capability of Ukraine", - stated in the material.

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien, Zelensky said that Kiev can only count on "diplomatic pressure from the international community." Then he also noted that the army has no forces to return the territories.

Late US aid to Ukraine and vague promises of Europe. What the media say

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the "Results of the year" that what is needed in Ukraine is not a ceasefire, but a long-term peace with guarantees. The Russian leader pointed out that the truce allows the enemy to retrain its manpower and entrench itself in positions.

He also noted that Russia is ready to conduct a dialog on Ukraine without preconditions, but on the basis of the Istanbul agreements and realities on the ground. According to him, the Russian side is ready to sign peace agreements with any legitimate authorities in Kiev, but the current Ukrainian authorities are illegitimate.

American political scientist Francis Fukuyama noted on December 17 that Ukraine may offer territorial concessions in exchange for guarantees of NATO membership, but European leaders may not go for it because of additional military commitments.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the backdrop of the aggravated situation in the region.