Throughout the conflict, Russia has not only engaged in military actions but has also actively propagated ideas that aim to undermine Ukraine and provoke compromises. One such idea is the notion of “handing over Ukrainian territories” as part of peace talks. This narrative, which suggests that certain Ukrainian territories could be exchanged for peace, is part of Kremlin’s strategy to make wars “advantageous” for the aggressor and normalize violence in international relations.
Ceding Territories — Legitimizing Aggression
The idea of ceding territories for peace contradicts the core principles of international law. Specifically, UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 defines aggression as a crime against peace, which cannot be justified by political agreements or ceasefires. This undermines the very foundations of international law, which prohibit any form of legitimizing aggression through territorial concessions.
Psychological Warfare: Undermining the Morale of Ukrainians
Kremlin actively promotes the belief that Ukraine must make concessions and “compromise” to bring the war to an end. However, no part of Ukraine should ever be subject to negotiations. The spread of ideas regarding compromises or “territorial concessions” is a key element of psychological warfare, designed to demoralize the Ukrainian population and divide the society. These concepts are propagated through international media and propaganda channels, aiming to convince Ukrainians that compromises are unavoidable.
Western Allies: No Concessions
Western allies have clearly stated that their support for Ukraine remains unwavering, and no territorial concessions will be made. At the G7 summit in December 2024, it was emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is a non-negotiable red line, and any attempts to bargain over Ukrainian territories with Russia will be unacceptable. Both the U.S. and the EU have declared that the war can only end when Russia halts its aggression and withdraws its troops from Ukrainian soil. Furthermore, negotiating territorial concessions would set a dangerous precedent, where aggression would be seen as an acceptable means of conflict resolution.
No part of Ukraine can ever be up for negotiation, and any attempts to force Ukraine into territorial compromises are not only against the Constitution of Ukraine, but also violate international law. Ukraine’s international support remains resolute, and Kremlin will not succeed in legitimizing its aggression through peace talks. Refusing territorial concessions is not just a matter of Ukraine’s security, but also of the future global order, which cannot be based on impunity for aggressors.
