Navigating peace: Ukraine prioritizes security over territory
Donald Trump has long proposed peace talks with Russia. During these negotiations, "Ukraine is now prioritizing security, not land, in truce talks," writes "The New York Times."
"The territorial question is extremely important, but it’s still the second question," a Ukrainian official, wishing to remain anonymous, told the newspaper. He emphasized that "The first question is security guarantees."
During the first peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, a key issue was Russia's unwillingness to accept a proposal that other countries commit to aiding Ukraine in the event of another attack.
Kyiv approaches any Russian declarations about peace cautiously, which is understandable given that promises from 2014 and 2015 were not kept, and sporadic clashes continued for the next eight years until the full-scale invasion, recalls "NYT."
Ukraine has already lost about 20 percent of its territory
Since 2014, Ukraine has lost about 20 percent of its territory, the borders of which were defined in the 1991 Declaration of Independence.
After the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, eastern territories supported by Russian-backed separatists were taken, as well as the annexation of Crimea. The February 24, 2022, Russian offensive resulted in further territorial losses.
Although Kyiv has regained some areas seized by the Russians, many territories remain under Moscow's control. The operation in the Kursk region, launched in August this year, was intended to strengthen Ukraine's negotiation position. Nevertheless, Moscow does not plan to return these lands. The newspaper also notes reports of a Russian counteroffensive involving 50,000 Russian soldiers, with support from North Korea.
Furthermore, according to a Russian businessman close to the Kremlin, Konstantin Malofeev, it will be difficult for Russia to reach any agreement because even the most conciliatory version of the agreement assumes that Ukraine would cede more of its territory to Russia.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Andrii Zahorodniuk pointed out that given Russia's offensive actions, it will be difficult for Ukraine to achieve favourable agreement terms. He emphasized that Russian negotiators will demand more than just the occupied territories.
"Whoever is in a winning position imposes the rules of the game," Zahorodniuk said, highlighting the difficulties Ukraine faces in this situation.
