Yehor Cherniev: Territorial concessions to russia are not an issue on which a compromise can be found
15 August 2025, 09:51
On the eve of the meeting between US leader Donald Trump and putin, the positions of Ukraine, Europe and the US were agreed upon. This is very important, as Trump will come to these talks clearly understanding what the "red lines" are for Ukraine and Europe. Recognition of the occupied territories as the territory of russia is out of the question, as well as the demilitarisation of Ukraine, which the Kremlin insists on.
This was stated by MP, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Ukraine to the NATO PA Yehor Cherniev.
"Ukraine and Europe have a common vision of the 'red lines' where we can find a compromise and where we cannot. Territorial concessions are not an issue on which a compromise can be found, and the recognition of the occupied territories as russian territory is impossible. This is something that is not being discussed today. That is why it is very important that the main points, the first of which is a complete ceasefire, were conveyed to Trump. I think that the US President will negotiate with putin based on these positions," the politician said.
He added that there is absolute unity around Ukraine on the part of European partners.
"They clearly understand that assistance to Ukraine must continue, because it is the security of the European continent, European countries, primarily the neighbours of russia and belarus. This is a matter of survival, so the partners are trying to help as much as possible, to increase funding and weapons production. And NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has already stated that there will be no cessation of arms supplies to Ukraine, regardless of the outcome of the meeting between Trump and putin. Accordingly, there will be no demilitarisation, which putin insists on," the MP stressed.
In his opinion, the kremlin dictator can ask for guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO, but it is almost impossible to do so.
"putin wants everything to be put on paper, not just a promise in words. And there are only two ways to do this: either NATO refuses what it has already offered, i.e. Ukraine's future membership, and this will actually undermine the very essence of the Alliance. I think that this will never be voted for in NATO itself, because such a decision must be made not by one member of the Alliance, but by all 32 countries," said Cherniev.
The second way is to amend our Constitution if we declare a non-aligned or neutral status.
"Here, too, I don't see any possibility that the Verkhovna Rada will have 300 votes for such changes. Besides, these changes cannot be made to the Constitution while martial law is in effect. Even technically, this is impossible," the MP stressed.
He added that the best option in the current situation would be for the US to make real commitments regarding security guarantees, as it has already done with Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.