Giving in to Russia could end Zelensky’s rule, analyst warns

Dr Julia Roknifard of Taylor’s University said opposition within Ukraine rules out any compromise thus exposing him to the risk of being deposed.

"It will definitely cost him not only political credit, but also the overall position he currently holds.

"Simply put, he will be deposed if he concedes to Russia’s position," she told AWANI International.

Roknifard’s remarks followed United States president Donald Trump’s proposal on Aug 11 that Ukraine and Russia should cede land to each other to end the conflict.

Zelensky swiftly rejected the idea, insisting Ukraine’s borders are defined in its constitution.

She also added that Moscow was not seeking an agreement with Kyiv directly, but with Western powers instead, noting that Russia’s calls for a security treaty with the West had been dismissed in late 2021.

Roknifard also warned that Ukraine’s war effort is under strain, with manpower and ammunition shortages reported earlier this year, leaving Kyiv with narrowing options as the conflict drags on.

At the Alaska talks last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin was reported to have floated a plan under which Ukraine would cede large parts of Donetsk and Luhansk while Russia would return smaller tracts elsewhere.

However, Zelensky swiftly rejected the proposal, stressing that Ukraine’s borders are enshrined in its constitution and cannot be altered without a national referendum.