The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Ermak, confirmed that Kyiv has no intention of relinquishing territories occupied by Russia in eastern Ukraine, as it contradicts the Ukrainian constitution. In an interview published in "The Atlantic," Ermak noted that as long as President Volodymyr Zelensky remains in office, no document proposing concessions will be signed.
“No sane person today would sign a document ceding territory,” Ermak stressed. He also pointed out that currently, Kyiv is only prepared to discuss defining the line of demarcation between controlled territories of the parties.
Ukraine's Position in Negotiations
Ermak emphasized that the main task in the next stage of negotiations is to clarify the line of contact between the warring forces. “All we can realistically talk about now is defining the line of contact. And that is what we need to do,” he added.
This position will limit the negotiators' options on the path to achieving a peace agreement. However, at the moment, Russia shows no willingness to make concessions on territorial issues.
Just Peace and Support for Ukraine
Continuing on this topic, Ermak noted that it is important for any peace agreement to be based on international law and support from Europe. According to the Ukrainian leadership, “peace cannot be achieved through concessions to the aggressor.” This is stated in a resolution adopted by the European Parliament, which emphasizes the necessity of compensating Ukraine for all damages caused by the war.
It should be reminded that during previous negotiations with the U.S. delegation, certain conditions for the peace plan were developed, but issues regarding territories remain problematic. Ermak indicated that Ukraine has no intention of leaving occupied regions without appropriate legal consequences for the aggressor.
