Ukraine's Negotiation Strategy: Security Guarantees Over Territorial Claims

As President-elect Donald J. Trump advocates for accelerated peace negotiations, Ukraine emphasizes the need for security assurances over territorial agreements in its approach to discussions with Russia, reflecting the complexities on the ground.

Ukrainian officials have consistently maintained that they will not surrender any territories held by Russia in the ongoing conflict. However, with President-elect Donald J. Trump advocating for a quicker negotiation process, Kyiv is shifting its focus to prioritize security guarantees over the specifics of territorial lines in any potential cease-fire agreement. As Ukrainian forces continue to encounter losses in the eastern regions, this change in strategy underscores a pragmatic approach to negotiations.

Roman Kostenko, the chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament’s Defense and Intelligence Committee, emphasized the need for guarantees as a foundation for future discussions. “Talks should be based on guarantees,” he stated, underscoring their crucial importance to Ukrainian security. This sentiment was echoed by a senior Ukrainian official, who expressed that while the territorial question remains significant, security assurances must take precedence in any dialogues with Russia.

Legally, Ukraine still stands on the premise of its internationally recognized borders established during its 1991 declaration of independence. Yet, with approximately 20 percent of its territory under Russian control, officials from Kyiv are finding ways to navigate the complexities of potential deals that may result in a status quo where Russia retains some territorial gains. President Volodymyr Zelensky previously acknowledged that any cease-fire would not be taken as a legal acknowledgment of Russia's control over occupied territories, indicating a steadfast commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty even amidst difficult negotiations.

As both sides prepare for a possible truce, the emphasis on security guarantees suggests a recognition that lasting peace will rely heavily not just on territorial demarcations, but on mutually agreed-upon measures to prevent future hostilities.