In the course of the war, Russia has not only engaged in military actions but also actively promotes ideas aimed at discrediting Ukraine and encouraging territorial concessions. One such idea is the suggestion that “Ukrainian territories” might be given up as part of peace negotiations. This narrative, which proposes that certain Ukrainian regions could be exchanged for peace, is a key element of Kremlin’s strategy to make wars “profitable” for the aggressor and normalize violence as an acceptable practice in international relations.
Ceding Territories — A Legitimization of Aggression
Proposals to cede territories in exchange for peace violate the fundamental principles of international law. Specifically, UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 declares that aggression is a crime against peace, one that cannot be justified by political agreements or ceasefire arrangements. This violates the core tenets of international law, which prohibit any attempts to legitimize aggression through territorial exchanges.
Psychological Warfare: Eroding Ukrainian Morale
Kremlin continues to push the idea that Ukraine must make concessions and “compromise” in order to end the war. However, no part of Ukraine should ever be on the table for negotiation. The promotion of ideas like “compromises” or “territorial concessions” is, in fact, a form of psychological warfare, designed to weaken the morale of Ukrainians and divide the population. These ideas are spread through international media and propaganda channels, seeking to convince Ukrainians that territorial compromises are inevitable.
Western Support: No Concessions
Western allies have consistently affirmed that their support for Ukraine is unwavering, and no territorial concessions will be made. At the G7 summit in December 2024, it was clearly stated that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable, and any attempt to barter territories with Russia is unacceptable. The U.S. and the EU have made it clear that the war can only end when Russia ceases its aggression and withdraws its forces from Ukrainian territory. Additionally, any attempt to negotiate territorial concessions would create a dangerous precedent in international relations, where aggression is considered an acceptable means of conflict resolution.
No part of Ukraine can ever be a subject of negotiation, and any attempt to impose territorial concessions on Ukraine is not only contrary to the Constitution of Ukraine, but also breaches international law. Ukraine’s international support remains firm, and Kremlin will not succeed in legitimizing its aggression through diplomatic negotiations. Rejecting territorial concessions is not just a matter of Ukraine’s security, but also an issue of the future international order, which cannot be based on impunity for aggressors.
