Putin and Trump negotiate, but “Ukrainians aren’t prepared to give up Ukraine”

Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that he has secured an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin negotiating for peace in Ukraine. 

However, after nearly three years of war, the question remains.

Can the conflict truly end, and at what cost?

On Friday morning’s episode of The Briefing, we talked to Chrestyna Kmetj from the Ukrainian Australian Federation to share her thoughts on the situation.

In a recent announcement, Trump revealed that he had spoken with Putin, starting a process aimed at bringing an end to the war. 

Yet, as the conflict drags on, both sides have shown little willingness to make major concessions. 

Ukrainians, who have fought to defend their sovereignty, are now confronted with the possibility of peace talks that may require them to give up territory in exchange for peace.

Kmetj said that while Ukrainians desire peace, they are not prepared to sacrifice justice, fairness, or their territorial integrity to achieve it.

“Ukrainians do not want to give up one centimetre of [the] soil of Ukraine. It’s been stolen, it’s been invaded, it’s been taken from Ukraine,” she said.

Kmeti pointed out that 20 per cent of Ukraine’s territory had been taken by Russia.

“Imagine if 20 % of Australia was taken. What bit of Australia would we be giving up?” She asked.

“Ukrainians aren’t prepared to give up Ukraine and they shouldn’t be. Just as Australians should never be prepared to give up, dare I say, should we ever, ever be under threat and give up any part of our country.”

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