Russia Rejects Ukraine's Territorial Exchange Proposal

The Kremlin has firmly rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's proposal to exchange territory as a means to end the ongoing conflict. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, labeled the exchange idea as 'nonsense' and reiterated Russia's commitment to maintaining control over its claimed territories. Zelenskiy's suggestion included trading parts of the Kursk region, which Ukraine currently holds, for Russian-controlled areas in Ukraine. Medvedev emphasized Russia's strategy of achieving peace through military strength, referencing recent strikes on Kyiv. Currently, Russia occupies nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory, while Ukraine controls a small section of the Kursk region. The dismissive response from Russian officials underscores the complexities and deep-seated tensions in the ongoing conflict.