Zelensky Signals Willingness to Concede Territory for Peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled on Friday that he is willing to consider territorial concessions to bring an end to the prolonged war with Russia. The conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022, has dragged on with devastating consequences for Ukraine’s infrastructure, economy, and population.

Zelensky’s remarks during an interview with Sky News underscore a significant shift in Ukraine’s strategy. “If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control,” Zelensky stated. He added, “We need to do it fast. And then on the [occupied] territory of Ukraine, Ukraine can get them back in a diplomatic way.”

The comments mark a notable softening of Zelensky’s position. Previously, he insisted that Ukraine would fight until it reclaimed all of its internationally recognized borders. His new approach appears to acknowledge the limits of the current military campaign and the need for a pragmatic solution.

The timing of Zelensky’s announcement coincides with the anticipation of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Trump has promised to end the conflict swiftly but has refrained from detailing how he plans to do so.

Zelensky expressed his eagerness to work directly with the president-elect, citing the need for clear communication. “I want to work with him directly because there are different voices from people around him,” Zelensky said, referencing potential conflicting advice Trump might receive from his advisors. The Ukrainian leader revealed that his September conversation with Trump was “very warm, good, constructive,” and that he looks forward to collaborating on new solutions.

Trump has already appointed retired Army Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg as his Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a prominent figure in the America First Policy Institute, has been critical of the Biden administration’s handling of the war. In a policy paper, Kellogg argued that the administration’s indecisiveness and lack of diplomatic strategy allowed the conflict to escalate into a war of attrition.

He outlined Trump’s plan to achieve a cease-fire and a negotiated settlement:

• Continued military support for Ukraine to prevent further Russian advances.

• Pressuring Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia.

• Strengthening Ukraine’s defenses to deter future aggression.

Kellogg described the war as “an avoidable crisis” exacerbated by Biden’s incompetence, noting that Trump’s leadership would prioritize an “America First approach” to end the conflict.

Zelensky’s willingness to consider diplomatic solutions aligns with Trump’s objective of brokering peace. By signaling a readiness to compromise, Zelensky may be positioning Ukraine to secure vital NATO support while creating a framework for negotiations.

With the Biden administration’s foreign policy failures casting a long shadow, Trump’s assertive approach to ending the war could redefine America’s role on the global stage. As Ukraine navigates this critical juncture, the stakes couldn’t be higher for its sovereignty and for the future of Western security.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments.