Growing number of Ukrainians consider territorial concessions for peace with Russia

Written by Jeppe W

Nov.24 - 2023 10:05 AM CET

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Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com

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A growing number of Ukrainians are now considering the possibility of making territorial concessions to Russia as a pathway to peace.

This trend, as reported by Bloomberg, indicates a noticeable change in public opinion, despite these individuals still being a minority within Ukrainian society.

The debate over territorial concessions spans across various ideological perspectives, suggesting a widespread recognition of the conflict's intricate nature.

In regions heavily impacted by the war, about 40% of the population appears to support a ceasefire, showcasing the divided opinions on this critical issue.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed Ukraine for the lack of peace talks, asserting Russia's readiness for negotiations.

In contrast, Finland has been proactive in controlling its borders with Russia, limiting crossings primarily to the northernmost point, aiming to manage the influx of asylum seekers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's stance on the matter has been multifaceted. He recently extended Thanksgiving wishes to Americans and is considering a visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels to engage with countries offering military support to Ukraine.

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein group, has held its 17th meeting, focusing on Ukraine's defense strategies. President Zelensky has also shown openness to revisiting the peace plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Amidst these developments, a small but increasing segment of the Ukrainian population is coming to terms with the idea that ceding territory to Russia might be a necessary compromise for peace.

This change in perspective comes at a time when the situation on Ukraine's battlefield has seen little change over the past year, and the support from Western countries has yet to bring substantial advantages to Kiev in the conflict.