Ukraine land deals eyed in Western talks

Kaja Kallas warns against pressuring Ukraine to cede land, arguing it would empower Russia and derail efforts for a lasting peace.

Proposed Ukraine land concessions are Putin's trap EU top diplomat tells BBC

Estonia’s prime minister Kaja Kallas, speaking to the BBC, warned against pressuring Ukraine to give up territory to Russia. She argued that such concessions would be a trap for Kyiv and would reward Moscow’s pursuit of war. Kallas said Putin already benefited from a welcoming reception and sanctions relief, and that Russia has not given up any demands. The European Union has unveiled its 19th package of sanctions to push Moscow toward new talks. In Washington, former president Donald Trump offered a two week window to judge whether peace talks are making progress. Zelenskiy said Russia is avoiding a meeting and called for a security guarantees framework to be clear within seven to ten days. Earlier, Russia launched air strikes that hit eleven locations in Ukraine, including the western city of Lviv near the border, causing casualties.

European leaders echoed these concerns. Finland's president Alexander Stubb said Putin is rarely to be trusted. French President Emmanuel Macron called Putin a predator at Europe’s doorstep and expressed doubt that he will seek peace. Zelenskiy has said he would meet Putin in any format, but he noted there are no signs Moscow intends to engage seriously. The war continues on the ground even as diplomacy persists through various channels.

The discussion frames land concessions as a key test of Western resolve rather than a simple tactical move. Kallas presents a clear warning that rewarding Moscow with territory would undermine Ukraine and invite further aggression. Sanctions remain a central tool, but the risk is that mixed messages from allies could be read as wavering, weakening unity at a critical moment. The piece also highlights the gap between diplomatic rhetoric and battlefield realities, underscoring the danger of timelines that may outpace the willingness of major powers to deliver credible security guarantees.

Policy implications are real. Any durable peace must rest on credible guarantees that deter future aggression and on a coordinated approach from the EU and the United States. The risk is that domestic politics, public fatigue, or competing priorities could fray this unity. The coming weeks will test whether diplomacy can translate into meaningful pressure on Moscow without concessions that hollow out Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Highlights

Diplomacy must be backed by credible guarantees and steady resolve