[Global Issue+] Divided Europe Over Ukraine Territory Partition... Ongoing Concerns of Prolonged Conflict

Demand for Ceasefire After Ceding Part of Ukrainian Territory
Concerns Raised Over Expanded Russian Invasion if Ceasefire is Premature

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As Russia's invasion of Ukraine surpasses three months, prolonged sanctions against Russia and the surge in energy and raw material prices are threatening the livelihoods of ordinary people worldwide. Especially in European countries highly dependent on Russian energy, voices are growing louder, urging a swift ceasefire with Russia even if Ukraine has to cede some territory.

While Ukraine firmly opposes any territorial concessions, the United States continues to provide military support to Ukraine, suggesting the war may drag on further. Countries bordering Russia, such as Poland and the Baltic states, also insist that a premature ceasefire would only expand Russia's invasion across Europe and must not be conceded. However, as the war prolongs, demands for a prompt peace negotiation are expected to intensify, putting both the West and Russia under domestic and international pressure to quickly find an exit strategy.

Germany and France Call for "Prompt Ceasefire"... US and UK "Prepared for Long-term Support to Ukraine"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to the Associated Press on the 28th (local time), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reportedly demanding an immediate ceasefire. The two leaders proposed to Putin that, on the premise of fully respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, they seek an exit strategy through negotiations with Ukraine. Putin, in turn, reportedly demanded that the two leaders stop supplying weapons to Ukraine.

In contrast, on the same day, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Johnson revealed via social media, "I told President Zelensky that the UK is prepared to support Ukraine for the long term," adding, "We will continue to supply the Ukrainian military with the equipment they need to defend their homeland." This reiterated the stance that the war must continue until Russia surrenders.

The United States also maintains a negative stance toward peace negotiations with Russia. At the Naval Academy graduation ceremony the previous day, President Joe Biden referred to the Ukraine situation, stating, "Putin's brutal war in Ukraine is not merely about occupying Ukraine but about erasing the identity and culture of the Ukrainian people," and condemned Russia for attacking schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and museums for reasons that can only be described as annihilation. The U.S. government is emphasizing Russia's war crimes and encouraging the continuation of the war, urging the international community to impose stronger sanctions on Russia and increase military support for Ukraine.

Russia Strengthens Effective Control over Occupied Territories, Ukraine Refuses Recognition... Concerns over Prolonged Conflict

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Within the European Union (EU), particularly centered around Italy, there are calls for Ukraine to accept some of Russia's conditions, cede the Crimea Peninsula and parts of the Donbas region occupied by Russia, and promptly engage in ceasefire negotiations. The Italian government previously proposed a peace mediation plan to the United Nations (UN), EU, Russia, and Ukraine, which included Ukraine's neutrality and partial territorial concessions.

In response to these moves by some EU countries, the Russian government is working to strengthen its effective control over the occupied territories. According to CNN, Russian forces have established new puppet governments in key occupied areas such as Mariupol and Kherson, and are preparing to hold referendums for residents on acquiring Russian citizenship, passports, and the annexation of these territories to Russia.

Ukraine strongly opposes these developments, maintaining that the war cannot stop until Russia withdraws from all illegally occupied territories in Ukraine. Eastern European countries bordering Russia, including Poland and the Baltic states, also strongly oppose any territorial concessions or ceasefire agreements by Ukraine, warning that Russia's military threat will persist otherwise. Concerns are growing that disputes over territorial concessions and ceasefires will deepen as the war prolongs.