Ukrainian authorities consistently reject any peace initiatives that suggest territorial concessions to Russia, even despite the ongoing human losses. This position, voiced by Zelenskyy, finds support from European allies but faces growing pressure from the United States and the realities on the front lines.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not cede a single inch of its territory in exchange for a ceasefire. He emphasizes that any concession would only create a threat to the country’s future security. In his address, he noted: “The answer to the Ukrainian territorial question is already in the constitution of Ukraine. No one will retreat from this.” This position is confirmed by actions: despite international pressure, Kyiv continues mobilization and is preparing for a protracted conflict.
European allies, albeit with reservations, support Ukraine’s hardline position. At a meeting in Paris on September 4th, the leaders of France, Germany, and Poland confirmed that the current front line should be the basis for negotiations, not the original 1991 borders. They also discussed security guarantees for Kyiv, including weapons supplies and prospects for NATO integration. However, the unity is not absolute: countries such as Hungary and Slovakia refused to participate in the summit, expressing their disagreement with this approach.
The administration of Donald Trump is exerting increasing pressure on Ukraine, urging it to compromise with Russia. Trump openly spoke about the possibility of a “territorial exchange” and placed the responsibility for ending the war on Zelenskyy. After meeting with Putin in Alaska, the American leader made it clear that Washington’s support is not unconditional. This creates a risk for Kyiv of finding itself isolated if the US and Europe cannot agree on a unified position. Already, Trump is demanding that the EU stop purchasing Russian gas, which complicates the economic situation.
The principled position on territories receives moral support from Europe; on the other hand, growing pressure from the US and military realities force a search for compromises. However, as long as Kyiv sees concessions as a threat to future security, and the West does not offer real alternatives, the conflict risks becoming frozen but not terminated. The price of this decision is daily losses and uncertainty for millions of Ukrainians.
