Moscow’s territorial claims undermine peace process, raises sovereignty issues for Ukraine

Table of Contents

Russia’s Demands for More Territory Disturb Ukrainian Delegation

At high level diplomatic talks in Turkey in early March, Russia allegedly asked Ukraine to concede additional territory in the context of possible terms to de-escalate the continuing war. The news of Russia making similar indicative demands was revealed by a senior Ukrainian official and has raised further alarm about Moscow attempting to get legitimate legal recognition of its invasion by land and not force.

The Turkey talks with Russian officials represented the first in-person negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in over three years, with both countries hopeful of some common ground despite the continued scepticism surrounding successful diplomatic progress. Russia’s request for additional territory upset the Ukrainian delegation immediately and drew immediate pushback.

Kyiv Takes Position on Sovereignty Standing Firm, in on-going Conflict

According to the senior Ukrainian official, Russia’s proposals exceeded the territory already within military control of Russia. Ukraine was also asked to recognize Russian sovereignty over additional territory, (in particular with Eastern and Southern areas). Ukraine firmly rejected the idea, which insists on taking a position that any disputes on Ukrainian territory must remain within its unequivocally recognized borders.

International Law and the Risk of Dangerous Precedents

Ukraine’s unwillingness to give up land guarantees is based on international law and the principle of sovereignty. Western allies—the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union—have also said that any peace agreement should not involve the shift of borders by coercion and through war.

Observers warn that if Russia’s demands for additional territory are accepted, it may lead to a dangerous precedent in which other nation’s acts of aggression are legitimized. It sends a signal to the world that borders can change through force, thus undermining the post-war international architecture.

Global Reaction: Strong Support for Ukraine’s Borders

The international reaction to Russia’s demand was immediate and negative. NATO officials expressed that they were supportive of Ukraine’s territory and warned that any peace agreement must be just, last, and recognize national borders. The State Department characterized the demand as “an outrageous violation of international norms.”

The European Union repeated the same points, saying that peace must be based upon the restoration of Ukraine’s territory and that negotiations should not reward aggression.

The Challenge of Turkey as Mediator

Turkey, which hosted the meeting, has a complicated role: NATO member, but a partner of Russia in other security and economic ventures. Turkish officials hoped they could do more in-person discussions to find ceasefires or humanitarian agreements, but Russia’s request for more territory presents obstacles to achieving such goals.

Ankara is continuing a hopeful disposition to organizing further rounds of talks; the only significant continuing obstacle is the territory issue.

Ukrainian Public Opposed to Territorial Loss

Public views in Ukraine are seemly widely against territorial loss account of the war. Many Ukrainians feel that surrendering land will bring dishonour to the fallen soldiers and civilians. Society’s strong resistance to occupation within the contested areas allude to societal attachment to homeland.

For many Ukrainians, territory is the symbol of their collective identity, democratic history, and survival in future.

Conclusion: Demands for Territory May Surrender All Paths to Peace

While diplomatic initiatives such as the Turkey talks represent important steps to bringing the conflict to a close, the issue with territory may threaten the process of any resolution.

With both sides at an impasse, Russia demanding further territory and Ukraine refusing to pull back, a negotiated settlement seems a more distant possibility.

For the time being, Ukraine built on the support of its allies continues to fight both on the ground and at the negotiating table, and has received the support of international allies who stress that peace must be grounded in sovereignty, justice, and strict respect for internationally recognized borders.