No gifts for aggressor: Ukraine's MFA rejects territorial concessions to Russia
Photo: Andrii Sybiha, head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Getty Images)
True peace can only be based on respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The aggressor should not be encouraged with "gifts," according to the statement of Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, at the meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers’ Council.
Sybiha noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin now dreams of a Munich 2 and a second Yalta. He wants to return to spheres of influence and gray zones. Such ultimatums should not be seen as Putin’s willingness to negotiate for peace.
"Conclusions must be drawn. No rewards, gifts, or appeasement of the aggressor. Every concession to the aggressor provokes further aggression. Peace through strength is the only effective approach to negotiations with Russia. A just and lasting peace can only be based on the UN Charter and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the minister said.
He recalled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement that the answer to Ukraine’s territorial question is already contained in the country’s Constitution.
The foreign minister emphasized that before the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Putin, it is necessary to coordinate actions at the leadership level between Ukraine, Europe, and the United States.
"After all, the security of Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic community is indivisible. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Nothing about Europe without Europe. We are also ready for a leaders’ meeting between Ukraine, Europe, the US, and Russia," he added.
Territory swap idea
Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that a "territory swap" could take place to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to him, the US will try to return to Ukraine the territory currently occupied by Russian soldiers.
