Kharkiv regional council backs Zelenskyy, rejects talks on Ukraine without Kyiv’s involvement

​​​​​​​By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – The Kharkiv Regional Council on Thursday overwhelmingly supported Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s stance that any talks concerning Ukraine must include Kyiv, rejecting the idea of talks held without the country’s participation.

With 76 votes in favor, the council adopted a statement affirming its backing for Zelenskyy and emphasizing the importance of national unity, the fight for independence and Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

“Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine!” was the main message of the statement, reflecting Kyiv’s firm opposition to being sidelined in diplomatic discussions.

Oleg Synegubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, stressed that only the Ukrainian people have the right to decide their future. “All attempts at external influence will not break our spirit,” he said.

The council condemned what it described as manipulations and information attacks from the aggressor, referring to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“We stand together! We support our army, strengthen our defenses, and continue our fight for victory,” according to the statement.