By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Zelenskyy stated that a fair ceasefire option would involve both Ukrainian and Russian forces remaining in their current positions, acknowledging this is a sensitive point of contention. He believes it is unfair for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from any territory if Russian forces do not also withdraw an equal distance. Zelenskyy expressed concern over proposed compromises, such as creating buffer or economic zones managed by a police mission, questioning the equity of such arrangements without reciprocal withdrawal. He indicated the issue remains unresolved.
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Zelenskyy says it would be unfair if Ukraine withdraws forces from east and Russia does not, and honestly, that’s a completely reasonable position. It really does seem like basic common sense. The situation on the ground is, after all, an invasion. Russia is illegally occupying Ukrainian territory. Why on earth would Ukraine, defending its own land, be expected to pull back forces while the aggressor, the invader, remains? That just doesn’t make any sense.
It’s almost absurd that this even needs to be stated, but here we are. This isn’t a situation where both sides are equally at fault or vying for some disputed territory. This is a clear-cut case of one country, Russia, invading another, Ukraine. So, for Ukraine to concede ground while Russia maintains its presence is not only unfair, it’s strategically disastrous. It’s like being asked to lower your weapon while the other side aims theirs directly at you.
The argument that any concession by Ukraine is unjust holds water. It is a very valid point. Any inch given is a reward for aggression. It sends the message that Russia’s strategy of brute force works. Every time Ukraine gives ground, they’re essentially telling Russia, “Keep attacking, keep pushing, and eventually, you’ll get what you want.” And that, unfortunately, would just lead to a never-ending cycle of attacks and withdrawals, further destabilizing the region and prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Some might argue that concessions are necessary for peace, that it’s simply the reality of international politics. Maybe, but in this case, any “peace” bought by ceding territory to Russia would be a very shaky, unstable peace. It would be a surrender wrapped in the guise of diplomacy. It would be a temporary measure that would only embolden Russia to continue its expansionist agenda. Crimea, Donbas, Donetsk – they shouldn’t just be handed over; that simply won’t do.
The true goal should be to ensure the war ends, and it ends with Ukraine reclaiming its territory. Ukraine is winning the war; it is clear. Russia’s economy is in shambles, and it’s increasingly difficult for Putin to fund the war effort. Why concede any ground now? It’s not just about what is fair; it’s about what is strategically sound and what serves the long-term interests of the Ukrainian people.
It’s important to remember that Russia has broken every ceasefire agreement since 2014. This is not a negotiating partner looking for a fair resolution; this is an aggressor seeking to achieve its goals through force. They are not looking for peace. They’re looking for land and power. So, to suggest that Ukraine should withdraw forces while Russia remains in place, is to essentially reward that aggression.
Some might say that this is just a cynical view of international relations. But when one side has made its intentions clear and demonstrated a willingness to break agreements and ignore international law, then a degree of cynicism is warranted. You need to approach the situation with your eyes wide open, recognizing that fairness rarely factors into warfare.
When Zelenskyy says it would be unfair, he’s not just talking about fairness; he’s talking about strategic necessity. He’s talking about preventing a repeat of the current situation. He’s talking about safeguarding Ukraine’s future. It’s not just unfair; it’s dangerous to yield any ground until Russia is willing to remove itself from Ukrainian territory.
The people in the Donbas region didn’t vote for Zelenskyy, and that’s a part of the complexity of the situation. Some might argue that those regions have different political views, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are Ukrainian territory. Surrendering territory because of local politics, especially under the pressure of invasion, is simply not acceptable.
So, in conclusion, Zelenskyy’s stance is right. It is not only unfair, it is a poor strategic decision, and any agreement that rewards Russia’s aggression will only create a temporary peace that will soon be shattered. The only way to achieve a lasting peace is for Ukraine to hold its ground and to make Russia understand that its aggression will not be tolerated.