August M
Diplomatic discussions over a possible end to the war in Ukraine are increasingly centered on territory. European officials are grappling with how far Kyiv could be expected to compromise and what it might receive in return.
According to the German newspaper Die Welt, EU capitals are examining whether political and security incentives could form part of a broader settlement framework. The reporting suggests that Ukraine’s future relationship with the European Union is emerging as a key element in private talks, reports LA.LV.
Territorial tensions
At the core of the debate is the status of Donbas and other occupied regions. Any proposal involving territorial adjustments remains highly sensitive in Kyiv, where ceding additional land is widely viewed as unacceptable.
The United States, described by Die Welt as the main mediator, is said to be promoting a model that would pair security guarantees for Ukraine with arrangements allowing Russia to retain control over certain occupied areas. Discussions are ongoing and no agreement has been announced.
European officials acknowledge that even limited concessions would require strong political justification, both domestically in Ukraine and among EU member states.
Membership calculus
Within that context, accelerated EU accession has been floated as a possible long-term incentive. Sources cited by Die Welt indicate that a clearer pathway to membership could be offered if a broader compromise is achieved after the fighting stops.
Still, formal entry into the bloc would depend on meeting strict conditions. Ukraine would need to continue reforms, strengthen anti-corruption institutions and reinforce judicial independence in line with EU standards.
Any enlargement decision must also receive unanimous approval from all member states, a process that often involves complex negotiations and political trade-offs.
While informal timelines have reportedly been discussed, diplomats caution that accession is ultimately a rules-based procedure that cannot be completed overnight.
Sources: Die Welt, LA.LV
