Stian Jenssen, the chief of staff to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, issued a retraction of his “land for peace” proposal for Ukraine after facing criticism from Kiev. In an interview with the Norwegian outlet Verdens Gang (VG), Jenssen admitted that his statement was a mistake and clarified that it was part of a larger discussion about possible future scenarios in Ukraine. He praised Ukraine for its heroic effort against Russia and acknowledged that the focus has shifted from concerns about its collapse to how much territory it can reclaim.
Jenssen emphasized that Ukrainians will ultimately decide if and when they are ready to negotiate with Moscow. His earlier suggestion that Ukraine could give up territory in exchange for NATO membership was met with condemnation from Ukrainian officials. Mikhail Podoliak, an adviser to President Vladimir Zelensky, called the idea ridiculous and accused it of choosing the defeat of democracy, encouraging a global criminal, preserving the Russian regime, destroying international law, and passing the war onto future generations.
Aleksey Danilov, the head of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council, also dismissed the notion of negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring that Russia must be destroyed like a modern-day Carthage. The comments from Ukrainian officials illustrate the tension and deep-seated animosity between Ukraine and Russia.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing for years, with Ukraine seeking to regain control over territory occupied by Russia. Ukrainian forces launched a major offensive in June, attempting to reach the Sea of Azov and cut off Crimea. However, their efforts have thus far been unsuccessful, resulting in significant losses. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine has lost 43,000 men and nearly 5,000 pieces of heavy equipment in their attempts to break through. This includes tanks and combat vehicles supplied by Western backers, who continue to support Ukraine while maintaining that they are not directly involved in the conflict.
The retraction of the “land for peace” proposal serves as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the conflict in Ukraine. It highlights the challenges of finding a resolution that satisfies all parties involved. The situation remains uncertain, and it is unclear how the conflict will ultimately be resolved. However, the commitment of Ukraine to regain its territory and the involvement of international actors, such as NATO, demonstrate the ongoing support for Ukraine’s cause.
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