Ukrainian Lawmakers Reject Territorial Compromise with Russia

In a resolute stance against territorial concessions to Russia, Ukrainian lawmakers asserted on Wednesday that any referendum aimed at ceding land would likely face overwhelming rejection from the populace. Members of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, expressed deep skepticism regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s commitment to peace, arguing that trust has been irrevocably damaged following nearly a decade of conflict.

Kira Rudik, a parliament member from the opposition Holos party, emphasized that the central issue is a lack of trust, rooted in a history of broken promises. “We know for a fact that since 2014, when Russia first attacked us, Putin has never held up his end of the bargain,” Rudik stated. This sentiment was echoed by Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, a representative of the European Solidarity party, who warned that any attempt to relinquish territory would only embolden further aggression from Russia.

Surveys indicate a significant majority of Ukrainians oppose any territorial compromise, driven by the belief that such actions would not lead to a cessation of hostilities. Klympush-Tsintsadze noted, “We know that it won’t stop the Russian Federation. It won’t bring the end of the war.” This pervasive skepticism comes as the international community, particularly the United States, has intensified discussions around potential frameworks for peace, including territorial adjustments.

Lawmakers are acutely aware that any perceived capitulation would incite fierce public backlash. Rudik remarked, “The end of the war is when Russia is weakened to the point where they cannot continue.” She further urged Western allies to bolster their support for Ukraine, advocating for increased sanctions, humanitarian aid, and military assistance. “Give us one more game-changer, and we will change the game,” she asserted.

The historical context of Ukraine’s disillusionment is underscored by the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, in which the United States and the United Kingdom pledged to protect Ukraine in exchange for its nuclear disarmament. Despite vague assurances of security guarantees from the US, many Ukrainians feel these promises lack substance. Klympush-Tsintsadze emphasized that true security for Ukraine hinges on a united front that ensures Russia’s strategic defeat and Ukraine’s NATO membership.

As negotiations continue, claims from US negotiators suggest that Russia would cease its invasion if it were granted control over the approximately 15% of the Donbas region it does not currently occupy. However, the Kremlin has not made any definitive promises to that effect. Since launching its invasion in February 2022, Russia has claimed several Ukrainian territories, including Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, incorporating them into its constitution without international recognition.

Rudik cautioned that even a temporary agreement could lead to future conflicts. “In two or three years, Putin — or anyone coming after him — will say, ‘You know what? We changed our mind. We’re coming back,’” she warned. The notion of a referendum that would require Ukrainians to choose between giving up territory and relying on Putin’s assurances was met with skepticism. “What’s on the other side? Putin’s word? I seriously doubt it,” Rudik concluded.

The ongoing dialogue around Ukraine’s future amid international negotiations poses critical questions about the West’s commitment to supporting the nation. Rudik expressed concern over whether Western nations would be prepared to act if Russia were to invade again, stating, “Is anybody really ready to do that?”

Klympush-Tsintsadze articulated a broader vision for Ukraine, asserting that Putin’s ambitions extend beyond the Donbas, aiming instead to reconstitute the Soviet Union and challenge the stability of Europe. “He wants to return to Cold War boundaries, claiming the right to control all of Central Europe,” she said. This perspective highlights the urgency for Ukraine to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of ongoing threats.