Ukrainian president’s stance on territorial sacrifices stalls peace efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s steadfast refusal to make territorial concessions to Russia has become a key obstacle in the pursuit of peace, as international pressures mount for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Despite numerous diplomatic efforts, including proposals for ceasefires and peace talks mediated by various actors, Zelenskyy’s position on Ukraine’s sovereignty remains uncompromising, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

One of the most notable instances highlighting this issue is former US President Donald Trump’s recent proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which would have required Ukraine to halt military actions and pause the rebuilding of its forces.

Trump, known for his favorable stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, framed the proposal as a potential breakthrough in ending the war. However, it hinged on Ukraine making significant territorial compromises—a condition Zelenskyy has refused to entertain.

Trump’s diplomatic efforts have been met with skepticism. While he has praised Putin’s military tactics, calling Russia’s invasion “savvy,” his frustration with Zelenskyy’s resistance to territorial negotiations is evident. Trump argues that powerful nations, such as Russia, should have the right to exert influence over their neighbors, a view that aligns with Putin’s expansionist ambitions. In Trump’s worldview, peace can be brokered through deals made between powerful leaders, which often involve sacrifices from weaker countries.

For Zelenskyy, however, territorial integrity is a non-negotiable principle. Public sentiment in Ukraine overwhelmingly supports his stance, with polls indicating that most Ukrainians prefer to continue fighting rather than make large territorial concessions, even if it means losing Western support. Zelenskyy’s refusal to cede land to Russia has made him a symbol of national resistance, but it has also made peace negotiations more difficult.

As the war drags on, the question remains whether Zelenskyy will face mounting external pressure to compromise or whether Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty will continue to define its approach to peace, regardless of diplomatic interventions.

By Vafa Guliyeva