Ukraine negotiates ceasefire as MFA denies territorial concessions
The Financial Times reports on the visible change in the scope of discussions regarding the end of the war in Ukraine and even readiness for territorial concessions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine denies this and states that "there can be no compromises on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
2 October 2024 10:01
The "Financial Times" reports on the change regarding talks about ending the war in Ukraine. According to the portal, this was visible during the session of the UN General Assembly in New York, when Ukrainian officials showed more openness to new solutions in this regard.
Until now, not only diplomats from Ukraine but also politicians from other countries supporting it in the invasion emphasized that the end of the war can only take place on the terms of returning the territories occupied by Russia to Ukraine’s control.
However, "FT" reports that the possibility of a ceasefire was raised, which would leave the currently occupied territories under Russia’s control, in return for Ukraine obtaining security guarantees. The new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, was said to have discussed potential conflict resolution scenarios in a "more pragmatic" way.
Ukrainian MFA denies talks about concessions
However, as reported by "Ukrainska Pravda," the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies that Sybiha talked with his Western counterparts about a peace agreement with territorial concessions in exchange for security guarantees.
A spokesman for the Ministry, quoted by the portal, stated that "at none of the meetings were there any proposals, negotiations, or indications of any territorial compromises. On the contrary, there can be no compromises on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Kyiv may be forced to make painful concessions
A few days ago, "The Washington Post" reported that winter may significantly impact Ukrainians’ stance on territorial concessions to Russia.
A senior Ukrainian official, who wished to remain anonymous, said that he fears the most that reaching a consensus will not be possible after this winter.
Meanwhile, the Spanish "El Pais" assessed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went to the USA five weeks before the presidential elections in that country, preparing for possible peace negotiations with Russia.
"After two and a half years of conflict, Ukraine is reaching the limits of its capabilities, facing the winter with severe restrictions on electricity supplies due to Russian strategic bombings," wrote the newspaper, emphasizing that in addition to the increasing losses, external pressure for negotiations is also growing, during which Kyiv may be forced to make 'painful concessions.'"