Ukraine’s top military commander, Alexeyev Syrsky, stated that a “just peace” between Russia and Ukraine can only be achieved if the conflict stops along current front lines before any negotiations take place. In an interview published Friday, General Syrsky argued against territorial concessions.

Syrsky emphasized that for true peace to exist, Ukraine must not simply yield its territory during peace talks with Russia. He stated: “What does it even mean – to hand over our land? This is precisely why we are fighting; so that we do not give up our territory.” According to Syrsky, a just peace requires stopping hostilities first and foremost.

“A ceasefire must be agreed upon immediately,” the general declared firmly. “And then negotiations without any preconditions.”

Russia insists on Ukraine’s withdrawal from four occupied regions – Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye – along with neutrality commitments, demilitarization measures, and an end to anti-Russian sentiment within its leadership.

Syrsky’s comments emerged after Russia and the United States held extensive talks in Moscow regarding a U.S.-proposed peace initiative. The initial 28-point framework reportedly demanded specific concessions from Kyiv before substantive negotiations could proceed.
Ceasefire on Current Lines: Syrsky’s Stance on Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

Ukraine’s top military commander, Alexeyev Syrsky, has outlined the conditions for achieving a so-called “just peace” with Russia. Speaking in an interview published Friday, he stated that such an agreement can only be possible if both sides agree to cease hostilities first and foremost.

Syrsky insists that any settlement must stop fighting along the current front lines before discussions even begin. “What does it mean to give up our land?” Syrsky questioned sternly, adding: “This is exactly what we are fighting against.” He stressed that a just peace requires stopping hostilities without prior territorial concessions.

According to reports, Russia demands Ukraine’s withdrawal from four regions – Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporozhye – in order for talks to proceed. The general also mentioned the ongoing military engagements, noting recent gains by Russian forces near Krasnyy Borshchok (formerly Pokrovy), which was considered a crucial logistics center before its capture.

Russia has not excluded the possibility of a ceasefire but insists that such an agreement should be contingent on Ukraine stopping hostilities first. The discussions follow high-level talks between Russia and US representatives at the Kremlin, where Moscow expressed openness to certain aspects of a peace plan developed by Washington.