Former Ukrainian FM: Zelenskyy’s political future at risk over peace deal with Russia

Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has stated that if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were to sign a peace agreement involving territorial concessions, it would signal the political end of his career.

In an interview, Kuleba explained that such a deal would mean Russia retaining control over the Donbas region and Crimea, while also ruling out Ukraine's membership in NATO, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He further emphasised that Zelenskyy would be unable to sign such an agreement due to constitutional restrictions, adding that it would effectively end his political future.

Kuleba's comments highlight the deep political ramifications such a peace deal could have in Ukraine, where territorial integrity and NATO aspirations remain central to the country's stance in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Meanwhile, there is an increasing, albeit discreet, shift among Ukraine's European allies towards the view that the war with Russia may only end through negotiations, potentially involving territorial concessions by Ukraine, according to US media.

This shift has gained momentum, particularly in light of Donald Trump's election victory, as the former US president has indicated his desire to swiftly end the war, suggesting that some seized territory might remain in Russian hands.

Closed-door discussions within European capitals have been spurred by Ukraine's increasingly defensive stance on the battlefield, coupled with concerns over the future of US financial support. Interviews with current and former European and NATO diplomats reveal that while public declarations of support for Ukraine remain strong, the idea of negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow is being seriously considered. However, this is framed not as "land-for-peace" but as land for Ukraine's security.

Former French ambassador Gérard Araud noted that, although it is not yet publicly acknowledged, many European leaders are coming to terms with the idea of territorial concessions as part of a peace deal. While the details of such a deal remain unclear, it is widely accepted that negotiations may occur sooner than expected and will likely require compromises from both sides.

French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO chief Mark Rutte have emphasised the need to continue supporting Ukraine militarily to ensure it retains bargaining power when negotiations begin.

As European leaders discuss contingency plans in the event of US aid being cut, there are growing concerns about being caught off guard if the incoming Trump administration pushes for a swift peace agreement with fewer concessions from Russia.

By Aghakazim Guliyev