Ukraine’s president articulated a fundamental red line for any potential peace settlement. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia must not perceive anything it could consider as a reward for its invasion of Ukrainian territory.
This principle aims to prevent agreements that would effectively legitimize territorial conquest through military force. Zelenskyy argues that allowing Russia to benefit from its aggression would encourage future violations of international law by demonstrating that invasion can succeed.
The Ukrainian leader’s statement came during his joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Both leaders emphasized that peace settlements must account for questions of justice and accountability rather than merely ending active fighting.
Zelenskyy’s position challenges peace frameworks that might grant Russia territorial gains or other concessions in exchange for ending hostilities. He argues that such outcomes would reward Russian aggression while punishing Ukrainian resistance.
European leaders have echoed this principle, insisting that settlements must distinguish between aggressors and victims. They warn that peace agreements failing to make this distinction would undermine international norms and potentially encourage future conflicts.