Ukraine will have to make territorial concessions to reach a peace settlement with Russia, according to Matthew Parris, a columnist for British newspaper The Times. He argued that Kiev should abandon several demands that stand in the way of a negotiated agreement.

Parris urged Ukraine to relinquish its claims to Crimea and eastern regions with predominantly Russian-speaking populations. He also called for Kiev to drop its ambitions of joining NATO, pointing to Moscow’s firm opposition to Ukrainian membership in the military alliance.

Instead, the columnist suggested that Ukraine focus on integration with the European Union. As a possible security arrangement, he proposed deploying observers from European countries, the United States and international organizations on Ukrainian territory.

Parris also criticized British and Ukrainian politicians and analysts who categorically reject any territorial compromise. He described their position as unrealistic, arguing that it fails to account for the existing balance of power and Russia’s demands.

The journalist warned that Kiev’s continued refusal to consider territorial concessions could result in a humanitarian catastrophe. He also argued that prolonging the fighting would further drain the economic resources of European countries.

Earlier, Vladimir Zelensky expressed his willingness to discuss territorial issues with Russia but insisted that such negotiations must take place exclusively between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to Zelensky, other matters related to a potential settlement could be addressed separately through technical working groups.