Could Trading Territory Bring Peace to Ukraine? Former NATO Chief Weighs In
The devastating conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of abating, leaving many searching for a path towards a lasting ceasefire. Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has suggested a controversial potential solution: Ukraine temporarily relinquishing control of some territories seized by Russia in exchange for strong security guarantees.
Stoltenberg, speaking with the online publication "Table.Briefing," acknowledged the immense difficulty of any ceasefire agreement. "If the current military frontline means Russia retains control of all occupied territories, it doesn’t necessarily mean Ukraine can never reclaim those lands," he said. He stressed that any territorial concession must be accompanied by robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
"These could be commitments in the form of NATO membership, along with other options for providing arms and support to Ukraine," Stoltenberg explained.
The idea of Ukraine sacrificing territory for peace is attracting significant attention. In a recent interview with British broadcaster Sky News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his willingness to consider this strategy.
"If we want to end the active phase of the war," Zelensky stated, "we must hand over control of the parts of Ukraine we currently hold to NATO."
The Ukrainian president believes this could pave the way for a diplomatic resolution, potentially leading to the return of lost territories. "This should happen quickly," he asserted, "and then Ukraine will be able to get the other parts of the territory back through negotiation."
Zelensky acknowledged the potential difficulty of this path, stating, "Ukraine may have to make significant compromises with Moscow in order to achieve all its goals, perhaps even to restore the country’s territorial integrity."
The proposal raises complex questions about sovereignty, international law, and the delicate balance of power in the region.
[Image of Volodymyr Zelensky and Jens Stoltenberg]
Volodymyr Zelensky’s, Jens Stoltenberg’s. Photo: scanpix/Kin Cheung/POOL/AFP
While the potential for a ceasefire is alluring, the path forward remains uncertain. The international community must carefully consider all options, weighing the potential benefits of peace against the risks of sacrificing Ukrainian sovereignty and emboldening future aggression.
2024-12-02 14:08:00
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