The Ukrainian authorities have set “red lines” for any potential negotiations with Russia, The Independent reported, citing senior Ukrainian officials.
According to the outlet’s sources, Kyiv has ruled out making additional territorial concessions. Moscow, meanwhile, has made clear its objective of fully seizing the four Ukrainian regions it claims to have annexed.
The Ukrainian officials said they have “come to terms” with the possibility that a ceasefire could freeze the current front line but emphasized that surrendering further territory is not an option. “It is not reasonable to demand that, for example, Zaporizhzhia or Kherson be fully handed over – that sounds like a f*** off to us,” one official said, adding that Ukraine intends to retake occupied territories through diplomatic means.
Other non-negotiable conditions for Ukraine, according to The Independent’s sources, include:
The return of thousands of Ukrainian children unlawfully taken to Russia
The release of thousands of civilians unlawfully detained by Russia, who are not classified as prisoners of war and are therefore excluded from POW exchanges
International security guarantees to ensure Russia does not violate any ceasefire agreement
“We are really willing to make peace, but we need a long-lasting peace, not a short ceasefire. We do not want our children fighting this battle,” one senior source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
At the same time, the officials expressed skepticism that Russia would agree to a genuine settlement, saying they “expect another trick” from the Kremlin.
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