Ukraine may concede to some of Russia's demands for peace, Latvian politician admits

RIGA - To achieve peace, Ukraine may concede to some of Russia's demands, but these will have to be decisions taken by the Ukrainians themselves, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) said in an interview with Latvian Television this morning.

US President Donald Trump has said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could stop the war with Russia by renouncing Crimea and Ukraine's NATO membership.

Meanwhile, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is known to have set much broader ambitions in his recent talks with Trump. Reuters reported that Russia has expressed its readiness to give up small areas it has captured in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, but has demanded that Ukrainian forces fully withdraw from large areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that it has failed to capture. Russia is also demanding official status for the Russian language in some parts or all of Ukraine, as well as the right of the Russian Orthodox Church to operate freely.

As regards the demands made by the aggressor, Braze argued that Ukraine's accession to NATO is "not really an issue at the moment", as such a move does not currently have the necessary unanimous support of NATO members. On the other hand, history shows that opinions can change over time.

As for the return of territories, this decision cannot be taken by anyone other than the Ukrainians themselves, the Minister said, while acknowledging that scenarios could be different, including that the "de facto" occupation of territories by the Russians is recognized at some point for the sake of peace. Latvia's position remains that we will not recognize the occupied territories as part of Russia.

Overall, assessing Trump's activities and whether they have brought peace closer, Braze said that it is clear that Ukraine wants peace, but it is doubtful whether the Russian leadership wants it. She feels that the latest talks between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders have brought views together, but it remains to be seen whether this will lead to trilateral talks and further steps towards peace.

The politician stressed that it is the talks between the leaders of the US, Ukraine and Russia that can lead to peace, and Europe wants a European leader to be present.

In her view, peace requires transatlantic unity, strengthening Ukraine and weakening Russia, without which nothing can be achieved, which is why the sanctions policy will continue.

It is also clear that Ukraine must remain a country with a strong military potential, as this is the only way for the country to guarantee its security, the politician said, stressing that the involvement of the US in guaranteeing security is also crucial.