Europe is considering territorial concessions from Ukraine in exchange for guarantees of its security: WP

European countries that support Ukraine are increasingly inclined to the idea of ​​negotiations with the Russian Federation regarding the end of the war, where the option of territorial concessions on the part of Ukraine in exchange for guarantees of its security may be considered. It is reported The Washington Post.

As noted in the publication, there is a growing opinion, especially among diplomats in Brussels, that the way to the end of the war may lie through a compromise between Kyiv and Moscow. Changes in the course of military operations in eastern Ukraine and the victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential elections, who declared his intention to end the conflict quickly, although he did not specify specific steps, affect the positions of Ukraine’s European partners, strengthening support for this approach.

Diplomats from Europe and NATO shared in an interview that although they do not publicly talk about territorial concessions, more and more politicians recognize that the achievement of peace may require Ukraine to agree to the loss of part of its territories. The topic of “territory in exchange for peace” is no longer taboo among diplomatic circles, although it is emphasized that this should not look like a reward for Russia for aggression, but only a way to ensure the security of Ukraine in the long term.

With Russian troops still in control of a large part of Ukrainian territory — about a fifth of the country, including Donbas and Crimea — the option of establishing a demarcation line or freezing current positions on the front is under discussion. This would mean potentially significant territorial losses for Ukraine, but could also be the beginning of a diplomatic process.

Camille Grand, a former NATO deputy secretary general, noted that such talks could begin sooner than expected and could involve compromises on both sides.

We will remind that the advisers of the newly elected US President Donald Trump recommend freezing the war on the current positions and suspending the negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to NATO. At the same time, Vladimir Putin has reportedly tasked the Russian military with regaining control of Kursk Oblast by January 20, 2025, which coincides with Trump’s inauguration date.

Earlier, the Office of the President of Ukraine stated that the start of negotiations with the Russian Federation is possible only on the condition that the Russian troops return to the positions they occupied as of February 24, 2022.