NewsUkraine rejects territorial concessions amid international pressure

Ukraine rejects territorial concessions amid international pressure

Ukrainian soldiers, illustrative photo
Ukrainian soldiers, illustrative photo
Images source: © PAP | Lech Muszy�ski

9:28 AM EDT, October 2, 2024

On the visible change in the talks regarding the end of the war in Ukraine, and even the willingness for territorial concessions, reports the "Financial Times." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine denies this and states that "there can be no compromises on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."

The "Financial Times" reports on the change regarding the talks about ending the war in Ukraine. According to the portal, it was visible during the UN General Assembly session in New York when Ukrainian officials showed greater openness to new solutions in this regard.

So far, not only diplomats from Ukraine but also politicians from other countries supporting it against the invasion have emphasized that the end of the war can only happen on the principle of returning the territories occupied by Russia under Ukraine's control.

However, "FT" conveys that the issue of a potential ceasefire, leaving the currently occupied territories under Russian control, has begun to be raised, for which Ukraine would receive security guarantees. Ukraine's new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrij Sybiha, reportedly discussed potential conflict resolution scenarios in a "more pragmatic" way.

Ukrainian MFA denies talks about concessions

However, as reported by "Ukrainian Truth," the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies that Sybiha had talked with his western counterparts about a peace agreement with territorial concessions in exchange for security guarantees.

The ministry spokesman, quoted by the portal, conveyed that "in none of the meetings were any proposals, negotiations, or indications regarding territorial compromises. On the contrary, there can be no compromises on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Kyiv may be forced into painful concessions

A few days ago, "The Washington Post" similarly reported that winter could significantly impact Ukrainians' stance on territorial concessions to Russia.

A senior Ukrainian official, wishing to remain anonymous, told the newspaper: "I am most afraid that after going through this winter, there will be no chance of reaching any consensus. "

In contrast, the Spanish "El Pais" assessed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to the USA five weeks before the presidential elections in that country, preparing for potential peace negotiations with Russia.

"After two and a half years of conflict, Ukraine is reaching the limits of its capacity, facing winter with serious limitations in electricity supplies due to Russian strategic bombings," the newspaper wrote, simultaneously emphasizing that apart from the increasing losses, external pressure on starting negotiations is also growing, during which Kyiv may be forced into "painful concessions."