Thu Nov 14 15:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine Prioritizes Security Guarantees Over Territorial Concessions in Potential Peace Talks
Amidst a potential acceleration of peace negotiations pushed by President-elect Donald J. Trump, Ukraine is placing a strong emphasis on securing robust security guarantees, deeming them more crucial than territorial concessions. While Ukrainian forces have been losing ground in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv remains adamant about not relinquishing any territory currently occupied by Russia.
Two senior Ukrainian officials have emphasized that the focus of negotiations should not solely be on territorial boundaries, which are likely to be shaped by ongoing fighting, but rather on establishing concrete security assurances to ensure a lasting cease-fire.
“Talks should be based on guarantees,” stated Roman Kostenko, chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament’s Defense and Intelligence Committee. “For Ukraine, nothing is more important.”
A senior Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously, echoed this sentiment: “The territorial question is extremely important, but it’s still the second question. The first question is security guarantees.”
Ukraine maintains its borders based on its 1991 declaration of independence, rejecting any formal recognition of Russian control over the approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russia. This approach appears to be the foundation for any potential deal, even if it means Russia retains control of occupied land.
President Volodymyr Zelensky previously stated, “Everyone understands that no matter what path we take, legally no one will recognize the occupied territories as belonging to other countries.”
While territorial concessions may be considered, Ukraine’s focus on security guarantees demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding their sovereignty and preventing future aggression from Russia.
First Piper 