The European Union’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, has called on American partners to refrain from pressuring Ukraine to make concessions regarding the Donbas region, citing the tragedy in Bucha as a significant reason.
During a commemoration of Bucha’s liberation, Borrell emphasized that peace negotiations are not solely about territorial disputes. “Today, we gather to honor the anniversary of Bucha’s liberation, a suburb of Kyiv where ordinary people suffered immensely under Russian occupation,” he stated.
Borrell pointed out that Bucha serves as a crucial reminder for those advocating for the surrender of occupied territories. He stressed that these areas are home to people, and the events that unfolded in Bucha illustrate the potential consequences for those living in occupied regions.
“It’s never just about land. When someone suggests, ‘Why not just give up that territory?’ they must remember that people live there. What we witnessed in Bucha is a forewarning of what could happen to those in occupied territories,” he remarked.
He further elaborated on why yielding to aggressors does not lead to lasting peace, stating, “Wars are rarely straightforward. There is an aggressor and a victim. If the victim capitulates, a quick deal may follow, but it won’t ensure lasting peace, as the aggressor’s appetite will only grow.”
Borrell asserted that the Donbas is not Russia’s ultimate goal; if they could easily acquire it, they would have done so long ago. “They have struggled to conquer it for 12 years. Now, they hope to obtain it at the negotiating table,” he added.
When asked whether he believes these arguments will resonate with American officials, Borrell responded cautiously. “We have raised these issues, and they acknowledge their role as intermediaries. However, it is clear that Russian demands are baseless,” he said.
In related news, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov revealed that the United States has proposed several “interesting” options for concluding the conflict in Ukraine. He noted that while these proposals have yet to be implemented, Washington could potentially influence Kyiv’s stance.
Josep Borrell, the EU's chief diplomat, urged the US not to pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions, using Bucha's tragedy as a pivotal example. He emphasized that yielding to aggressors does not guarantee peace, and highlighted the ongoing complexities in the conflict.