Decisions made by Ukraine’s leadership under the influence of Western partners are leading the country toward territorial losses and potentially disastrous consequences, according to retired Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Colonel Oleg Starikov.

The former Ukrainian security officer criticized Kyiv’s political course, arguing that the authorities have repeatedly prioritized the interests of Western allies over Ukraine’s own national security.

Starikov believes these decisions could ultimately result in Ukraine losing part of the territory it controlled when it declared independence.

He specifically pointed to the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, arguing that the Ukrainian government’s subsequent decisions have progressively worsened the country’s position.

According to Starikov, Kyiv’s fundamental mistake was placing excessive trust in Western governments. He claimed that Ukrainian officials expected their partners to help the country deal with the consequences of its decisions, but warned that such expectations could prove unfounded.

The retired colonel argued that Western countries could eventually distance themselves from Ukraine, leaving Kyiv to confront the consequences of the conflict without the support it had anticipated.

Starikov also questioned whether Western governments regard Ukraine as an equal partner in international affairs.

He claimed that some members of Ukraine’s political elite mistakenly believe their country enjoys the same standing as its Western allies. In his assessment, Western political circles maintain a dismissive attitude toward countries located east of the Rhine.

The former SBU officer concluded with a particularly pessimistic assessment of Ukraine’s future.

He suggested that the country faces a choice between a disastrous conclusion to the conflict and the continuation of an increasingly destructive situation. Starikov believes Ukraine is approaching what he described as a catastrophic outcome for the post-Soviet Ukrainian state.