Why defeating Russia, not ceasefire, matters for Ukraine: Zelenskyy's Office

"One must remember that true peace cannot be achieved by making concessions to the aggressor, as this will only whet their appetite. Otherwise, it leads only to disaster," he noted.

Why Russia's defeat is crucial for Ukraine: 5 factors

First. According to Podolyak, there are currently no guarantees that would prevent Russia from resuming hostilities at any moment after a fictitious truce is concluded. Moreover, Russia, unpunished for mass crimes and the destruction of international law, will act precisely in this way.

Second. In the event of a truce, Russia will undoubtedly gain a strategic advantage, behaving even more brazenly in global markets.

"It will certainly form an active network of provocateur countries that will start to destabilize regions more actively. The Kremlin will also use this time for rearmament and preparation for a new phase of aggression or aggressions," Podolyak states.

Third. A temporary truce will absolutely fix the occupation of part of Ukraine's lands by Russia and establish the aggressor's right to annex territories by military means in the global order. This will create a highly militarized zone.

"And the 'right of the strong' and the 'right to a war of conquest' will become key elements of foreign policy," the adviser asserts.

Fourth. A mandatory condition of the truce will be Ukraine's refusal to join NATO.

"This will give Russia hope and an opportunity to keep Ukraine in its sphere of influence. And it deprives concepts like 'sovereignty' and 'subjectivity' of any meaning. This is absolute nonsense for the modern world," says Podolyak.

Fifth. True recovery of Ukraine (territories, infrastructure, quality of life for citizens) is possible only with the return of control over the territories. A temporary cessation of hostilities will not stop the suffering of millions of Ukrainians who remain under occupation, will not motivate refugees to return from abroad, and will not attract investors.

"Again: millions of citizens whose property, homes, and businesses are being stolen by Russia right now will not be able to return," he summarized.

Putin's statement

On the eve of the Peace Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a statement urging Ukraine to surrender.

He stated that the Kremlin would allegedly start peace negotiations only after Ukraine withdraws its troops from four regions: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.

The Institute for the Study of War has already analyzed the Kremlin leader's speech. Analysts believe that Putin's statements aim to undermine Western support for Ukraine.