Zelensky Says He is Now Willing to Cede Territory to Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been adamant from the outset of his war with Russia that he could not cede any territory to Russia as a condition for peace.  

That stand has now changed, and that is likely because of Donald Trump’s administration about to take over.  

Strong Stand 

Zelensky has to know that with Trump in office, he will not be able to play hardball for aid like he has with Biden.  

For the most part, it has been Zelensky calling the shots, making demands which Biden has been more than happy to meet.  

Zelensky has stated time and again that he would not cede any territory at all, with he and his top officials stating that Putin does not even believe Ukraine is a real country, wanting to wipe it off the map altogether.  

For instance, during an October 2024 interview, Ambassador William Taylor tried to provide some insight on this, stating, “This is why it's important for the Ukrainians never to give up claim to all of their territory. Even if they don't get it all back right away, they will eventually get it back. That's what they have to maintain. That's what they're focused on.” 

Trump Takes Over 

With Trump winning the White House, everything changes for Zelensky.  

He will not be able to steamroll Donald Trump, and with the GOP now in charge of Congress, legislation will not get passed unless we get the accountability that we have been demanding from day one.  

That hardline stance by Ukraine is beginning to soften, and it is softening rather quickly.  

Zelensky knows the clock is ticking, and with Trump about to move into the White House, Zelensky is already agreeing to make concessions on this front.  

On One Condition 

Zelensky has already buckled on the issue of ceding territory to Russia, but he says he will only do so under one condition.  

The comedian-turned-politician stated, “If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we should take under [the] NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control.” 

The request is reasonable, and I would imagine it was part of the discussions that Zelensky had when he met with Trump last week. I am sure Trump laid out his plans to end this war, and based on past comments by Trump, Ukraine ceding some territory was going to be part of that mix.  

I honestly do not see this as being very difficult, as NATO countries have already rallied behind Ukraine during this conflict. The wild card, of course, is how Putin would react to Ukraine being put under NATO protections. I am going to guess that he will make a fuss, but as long as Ukraine is not made a full NATO member, I expect him to accept the terms and end this war soon after Trump takes office.