Russia's bold demands: Ukraine urged to cede five regions
Russia sets peace terms, demanding that Ukraine relinquish five regions. General Roman Polko warned in a conversation with "Fakt" that meeting these demands would only encourage Putin to take further actions.
Russian authorities have presented conditions for a potential peace deal with Ukraine. The head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, stated that "if Ukraine wants to reach a peace agreement, it should relinquish the regions annexed by Russia—Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia."
He added that the terms also include "recognition of the sovereignty" and "current territorial boundaries" of Russia.
General Roman Polko, former commander of the Polish GROM unit, firmly criticized these demands in a conversation with "Fakt".
No leader can give up territory while their troops are fighting. Doing so would cost him soldiers on the front and mark his name in history with black letters. The public would never forgive him. Let's also remember that Ukraine is not militarily losing this war, the general stresses.
Polko notes that "Russia is currently toying with the West, and the United States allows it, bringing Putin out of isolation". He also referred to comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is "hindering peace."
It is terrifying when Trump claims that Zelensky hinders peace. I ask, in what way? A terrorist terrorizes people, murders them, and here, Ukrainians are hindering the terrorist from making peace? Absurd! comments the former GROM commander.
The general warns that giving up the occupied territories to Russia will not bring peace. He also emphasizes, "we know very well that without Ukraine, Putin will not go further. If he gains control over it and its resources, he will use them against other countries like Moldova, Lithuania, or Estonia."
Zelensky appeals from London: Calls on Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a ceasefire with Russia. He conveyed his position on Wednesday through the Telegram messenger.
Ukraine insists on an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire with Russia. [...] Ukraine has repeatedly stated that it does not exclude any format of talks that could lead to a ceasefire, Zelensky reminded.
The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump considered recognizing Crimea as Russian territory as part of a future agreement intended to end the war in Ukraine. This information was reported by the American portal Semafor, citing sources familiar with the situation. Such a position by Washington would be a significant concession to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long considered Crimea part of Russia.
