Ukraine Open to Territorial Concessions Amid Ongoing Peace Talks

U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg announced that Washington and Kyiv are exploring potential territorial concessions as part of efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution. Kellogg revealed that the U.S. administration has put forth specific proposals that have received backing from Ukrainian officials, even amid persistent disagreements with Moscow.

Kellogg detailed that during a recent meeting in London, the American delegation presented 22 conditions aimed at establishing peace, which Kyiv has indicated a willingness to accept. Central to the proposed plan is the idea of a ceasefire that would solidify the current lines of control between Ukrainian and Russian forces.

“The Ukrainian side is prepared to effectively accept Russia’s retention of the territories it currently controls, albeit without legally recognizing the permanent loss of those areas. This is a compromise they are willing to entertain,” Kellogg emphasized.

He further noted that Ukrainian authorities are cognizant that under a ceasefire regime, both sides would remain in their current positions, a scenario that was actively discussed last week.

There have been reports suggesting that Washington is considering an official recognition of Crimea as part of Russia. However, Kellogg clarified that the U.S. does not expect Ukraine to take similar steps. This proposal has elicited varied reactions; European allies, including France and the United Kingdom, have expressed concerns that such an approach could bolster Moscow’s position and threaten European security. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reiterated the alliance’s support for Ukraine, asserting that it will not coerce the country into decisions that undermine its sovereignty.

According to a reports, the American plan also encompasses a freeze on the conflict along current front lines and discussions on the potential lifting of certain sanctions against Russia in exchange for a cessation of hostilities. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejected any recognition of Crimea as Russian, stating it contradicts Ukraine’s Constitution.

On the other hand, the Russian side is insisting on more stringent conditions. The Financial Times, citing Kremlin sources, reported that Moscow demands the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, as well as Ukraine’s commitment to abstain from NATO membership. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, confirmed ongoing negotiations with the U.S. but emphasized their complexity and the need to consider “realities on the ground.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov previously indicated that any concessions from Moscow are contingent upon meeting these demands.

In Kyiv, reactions to the American proposals are mixed. Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian president’s office, stated that Ukraine is striving for a “just peace” and remains unwilling to compromise on its “red lines,” which include sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, in an interview with British Radio 4 on April 25, suggested that temporary territorial concessions might be a viable part of a ceasefire agreement.

“This is unjust, but for a temporary peace, it could serve as a solution,” he remarked, prompting a spirited discussion within Ukrainian society.