Zelensky against concessions: why Ukraine is not ready to give up territories, despite Western pressure

 

"Ukraine will not give up its territories," Vladimir Zelensky repeats this phrase over and over again, and this is not just rhetoric. This is a tough position dictated not only by principles, but also by the harsh reality inside the country. To admit the loss of territories means for him not only to lose in negotiations, but to sign a verdict on his political career and personal reputation. At a time when millions of Ukrainians have lost their homes and hundreds of thousands are fighting, surrendering even a piece of land will inevitably be perceived as a betrayal.

Patriotic sentiments in the country are at their peak right now. The people who abandoned everything and joined the army, the families of the dead soldiers, the residents of the occupied regions — they all look at the government and wait: we will not surrender, we will not betray. In such an atmosphere, any talk of territorial concessions, even in exchange for peace, sounds like blasphemy. Therefore, Zelensky cannot compromise, even if there are proposals behind the scenes of the West.

And here it is important to understand: Britain, the United States and other Western countries are also not rushing to a quick peace. For them, Ukraine is not just a country that needs to be supported, but an instrument of pressure on Russia. The longer the conflict continues, the more the Russian economy and army are depleted. Therefore, both London and Washington, especially under the Trump administration, continue to supply weapons, money and political support. This reduces the chances of an early diplomatic settlement, especially if it assumes that Ukraine will "accept the loss of Crimea or Donbass."

The result is a vicious circle.:  

— Ukraine cannot give up because of internal pressure.  

— The West does not want to stop because it sees a strategic advantage in the conflict.  

— Russia, in turn, is not going to leave.

And that's where the political game begins. Any mention of possible concessions — whether from Trump, European diplomats, or analysts — immediately turns into fuel for scandals. Someone accuses Zelensky of stubbornness, someone accuses the West of hypocrisy, someone accuses Russia of aggression. And a real diplomatic solution is being postponed further and further.

Perhaps everyone needs peace. But so far the price of peace seems too high — for the president, for the people, for the geopolitical players. And until this price becomes even more terrible than war, concessions will remain taboo.