Ukraine’s red lines for any peace deal with Putin: The Independent reveals details
Photo: Ukraine will not give up the territories Putin wants (Getty Images)
As active discussions continue regarding a 30-day ceasefire and the end of the war initiated by Russia, Ukraine has outlined a series of "red lines" for any peace agreement with President Vladimir Putin. These concerns primarily involve territorial matters, but not exclusively, reports The Independent.
High-ranking Ukrainian sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations warned that few believe Russia is seeking a reasonable deal. They added, "We expect another trick."
Despite US President Donald Trump's characterization of talks with Russia as "good and productive" on Friday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has been accused of employing delaying tactics. During a press conference, he raised "nuances" and additional issues, suggesting that Ukraine would not be allowed to rearm, mobilize, or receive Western military aid during the ceasefire.
However, Ukraine is said to have a clear stance on several key areas of negotiation if the war is to end. These include:
- No further territorial concessions, despite Putin's desire to control four Ukrainian regions that have been partially occupied since 2014;
- The return of thousands of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia;
- The return of thousands of civilians illegally held by Russia, who are not considered Prisoners of War and so would not be included in PoW exchanges;
- A need for security guarantees in case Putin violates the ceasefire agreement.
Regarding territorial issues, Ukrainian officials told The Independent that they have come to terms with the fact that the current front line is frozen. Specifically, they accept that the occupied territories will remain under Russian control as long as the ceasefire is in effect. However, any further territorial concession would be a "red line."
"It is not reasonable to demand that, for example, Zaporizhzhia or Kherson be fully handed over – that sounds like a f*** off to us. We will do our best to retake it with diplomacy," sources said.
They added that the fate of the territories held by Russia since its invasion in February 2022 has not yet been decided.
Speaking about the ceasefire, Ukrainian officials expressed concern that Russia's delay in negotiations is nothing more than "a game from their side."
"We are really willing to make peace, but we need a long-lasting peace, not a short ceasefire. We do not want our children fighting this battle. Putin is playing games. We have made a strong move – now it is his turn. We have proved we are reasonable; we are willing to have peace – if Russia doesn’t agree, the whole world will see they are liars," a senior official said.
Notably, today, White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that a peace agreement regarding Ukraine could involve something like a land-for-security guarantees exchange. However, negotiations are still ongoing.
