Polish President Duda Criticizes Calls for Ukraine’s Territorial Concessions

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Polish President Andrzej Duda took a firm stance against Western leaders who suggest Ukraine should concede territory to Russia in the pursuit of peace. Speaking directly to those advocating for Ukraine’s territorial sacrifices, Duda questioned why these leaders do not offer portions of their own lands to Russia if they feel so inclined to accommodate the Kremlin’s territorial ambitions. He argued that any territorial concession would be a dangerous move that could only embolden Russia further.

“If you’re so generous towards Russia, why not give them a piece of your own land?” Duda asked, addressing politicians who call on Ukraine to “come to terms” with the loss of some territories.

“Why should any sovereign country have to satisfy Russia?” Duda challenged rhetorically. He expressed frustration at what he sees as misguided calls for Ukraine to negotiate away parts of its territory, adding, “On what grounds… does Russia deserve anything — especially someone else’s territory?” His comments reflect Poland’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and are indicative of broader regional tensions over how best to handle the conflict.

Duda warned that even minor concessions could have catastrophic consequences, potentially prompting Russia to pursue further aggressive actions against Ukraine or other neighboring states. His remarks underscore Poland’s firm position that appeasement would be a strategic misstep, likely to be exploited by Moscow.

While Duda was clear in his disapproval of concessions, he avoided direct commentary on whether Ukraine has the capacity to regain control over all its territory. Acknowledging Russia’s numerical advantage in military resources, he refrained from offering a definitive view on the likelihood of Ukraine fully reclaiming its occupied regions. This cautious approach reflects the complex realities on the ground, where the scope of the ongoing conflict poses significant challenges to Ukraine’s ability to recover all its territory unconditionally.

Duda’s measured stance on the issue contrasts with his resolute opposition to any concessions, showing Poland’s delicate balancing act between vocal support for Ukraine and the recognition of the practical obstacles facing its war efforts.

Duda’s remarks come amid a notable shift in public sentiment within Ukraine. A May 2024 poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) revealed a rise in the number of Ukrainians willing to consider territorial concessions if it leads to peace sooner. However, the survey also indicated that most Ukrainians remain opposed to “peace at any cost,” emphasizing a broad, resilient resistance to Russian demands despite the toll of the conflict.

Ukrainian officials, however, remain insistent on their rights to sovereignty, with Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Olga Stefanishyna, asserting that Ukraine aims to join NATO within its internationally recognized 1991 borders — without territorial compromises. This declaration emphasizes Ukraine’s determination to secure a future within the NATO framework while upholding its territorial integrity.

The question of Ukraine’s NATO eligibility within its original borders has become a focal point of international debate. Former Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Valeriy Chaly, pointed out that NATO traditionally does not admit countries with occupied territories. Drawing a historical parallel, he highlighted that Germany joined NATO despite division, though the German context differs substantially from Ukraine’s current circumstances.

Duda’s criticism aligns with Poland’s consistent advocacy for Ukrainian sovereignty and its opposition to any diplomatic approach that risks rewarding Russian aggression. This reflects a broader sentiment among Poland and other Eastern European nations that view Russia’s actions as an existential threat not only to Ukraine but to the stability of Europe as a whole.