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Problems of peacekeeping proposals: will territorial concessions be a disaster for Ukraine?

Donald Trump’s administration wants to achieve peace in Ukraine, even if it means territorial concessions to Ukraine. Mike Volz, the US National Security Advisor, said this in an interview with CNN. He also noted that the agreement reached would include security guarantees under the auspices of European countries. Volz emphasized that to end the war, Ukraine would need to make concessions on territories, and Russia would need to make concessions on security.

The American official expressed his “disappointment” with the position of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the meeting in the Oval Office, as well as the fact that the agreement on Ukrainian minerals was not signed.

“Zelensky should clearly state that he is ready for peace,” Volz said, emphasizing that the Ukrainian leader should “negotiate with Washington and Russia to stop the war.”

Volz also emphasized the US determination to end the war:

“This war must end, and that requires concessions on territory, concessions from Russia on security guarantees, and the participation of all parties in the negotiations. We are actively working to move these negotiations forward.”

What kind of territorial concessions can Ukraine agree to, and whether it can at all, and whether it can count on diplomacy with Russia, [Kommersant] looked into.

Territorial concessions can lead to catastrophic consequences

Military expert, reserve colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Serhiy Grabsky in an exclusive commentary for KU expressed his indignation at the proposals to make territorial concessions to Ukraine, noting that this could lead to a global catastrophe.

“It’s nonsense, it’s unclear, it’s absolutely wrong. What concessions and where? Why do they want to trade our territories? This violates the principles of inviolability of borders, which are emphasized by all countries of the world,” the expert said.

The military analyst emphasized that the proposals for concessions critically violate the structure of global security.

“It breaks the very foundation of the international order. If we are going to give in, why can’t Mexico demand the return of the territories once seized by the United States?”

These words emphasize that such actions can create a chain reaction that will destroy the peaceful order that has existed for more than 70 years.

About people, not just politics

“It really affects me because it’s not just about politics, it’s about people. I remember one boy crying in a Crimean school when he heard the Ukrainian anthem. It was around 2015. How can we talk about concessions when people, children, our heroes are there, in the occupied territories?” said the colonel, emphasizing that the issue is not only about political concessions, but also about the fate of people who are experiencing occupation.

The expert also emphasized Russia’s historical irresponsibility with regard to international agreements. According to Grabsky, negotiating with Russia for concessions is simply pointless.

“Russia has never complied with any international treaty. It was a country that did not fulfill any promises and violated all signed agreements,” the expert says.

On peacekeeping missions and international support

Grabsky asks what peace can look like when different countries consider it on different terms.

“We hear the US offering peace, but they are talking about concessions. In this context, we must clearly understand that peace for us means de-occupation and security guarantees for Ukraine.”

In addition, the expert emphasized that military and political decisions should be based on the real needs of the country, not on primitive attempts to find “simple solutions.” He emphasized the importance of a strong national spirit. Regarding internal security, the expert suggested that Ukraine should be prepared for self-defense.

“We must be a united military camp where everyone knows their role and responsibilities in a war. There should be no doubt how to act at any time,” he said.

Grabsky emphasizes that the modern world does not allow for concessions on the issue of territorial integrity. This can lead to catastrophic consequences and even change the balance of security on the planet.

“We must move only forward, there can be no concessions, because it is a matter of the nation’s survival,” the colonel summarized.

What do they say in the Parliament?

In a conversation with KU journalists, Yuriy Kamelchuk expressed his doubts about how the latest statements from the United States are interpreted. According to the MP, the issue of territories cannot be simplified, as it is an extremely complex and sensitive issue.

“I can’t get into the minds of the Americans right now, because they don’t detail their answers, we don’t know what they mean,” Kamelchuk said.

According to him, the terms used are too general and do not have clear legal definitions. In his opinion, when it comes to concessions on territorial issues, it can mean different scenarios, such as a temporary cessation of hostilities or a refusal to return territories by military means for a certain period.

“This phrase has no specifics, really,” the MP said, emphasizing the importance of precise wording in such matters.

The importance of a clear position

The parliamentarian noted that any attempt to give up the territories could be considered treason, as it directly contradicts the Constitution of Ukraine.

“We must understand that we are broadcasting to everyone that there will be no relinquishment of territory. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify who means what and how exactly they propose. We can’t just take it at the level of general phrases,” he added.

Kamelchuk also commented on the situation at the front, noting that the war is currently being waged to the point of exhaustion, both by Ukraine and Russia.

“The Ukrainian Armed Forces made major breakthroughs at the front in 2022, but now it is a war of attrition,” he said.

Kamelchuk emphasizes that even in such a difficult situation, where the capabilities of both sides are limited, we should not forget the importance of Ukraine’s clear and unambiguous position on territorial integrity.

Thus, the US position on the need for territorial concessions to end the war raises serious questions among Ukrainian experts and politicians. On the one hand, this is an attempt to find a compromise, but the lack of clear specifics in such proposals only deepens uncertainty and risk.

It must be clearly understood that territorial concessions could have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine, including for international security, as such steps could set a precedent for other countries waging aggressive wars.

Experience has shown that Russia has not fulfilled any international agreements, so even attempts to negotiate with it seem unlikely to achieve real peace.