Jens Stoltenberg. Source: Office of the President of Ukraine
Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes that a quick end to the war in Ukraine without territorial concessions is unlikely. He said this in an interview with Welt, noting that in order to achieve peace, Kyiv may have to “temporarily” cede the occupied territories.
Stoltenberg’s main position
“If the ceasefire line means that Russia continues to control all the occupied territories, it does not mean that Ukraine has to give them up forever,” Stoltenberg said.
In his opinion, it is important that Ukraine receives security guarantees in exchange for such temporary concessions. He stressed that this could be NATO membership or other ways to ensure the country’s defence capability and support for Ukrainians.
Stoltenberg also expressed support for the principled position of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who insists on the return of all occupied territories. However, he noted that due to the current military situation, this may be difficult to implement in the short term.
The former NATO secretary general stressed the importance of establishing a ceasefire line, which, in his opinion, should ideally cover all the territories currently under Russian control. However, he acknowledged that this is “not realistic in the near future”.
Kyiv’s reaction
The Ukrainian authorities have not yet commented on this statement. However, the position of the country’s leadership remains unchanged: Ukraine will not accept any territorial concessions, even temporary ones, as this could set a precedent for future Russian aggression.
What’s next?
Stoltenberg’s statements sparked an active discussion among the international community. The issue of security guarantees for Ukraine remains a key one on the path to a stable peace, but ceding territory can be a difficult and controversial compromise.
