Why Ukraine Aims for Russia's Defeat Rather Than a Ceasefire

Ukraine seeks stable peace through the defeat of the Russian Federation rather than a temporary fictitious ceasefire. This is explained by five factors, according to Mikhail Podolyak, adviser to the head of the Ukrainian President's Office.

According to Podolyak, there are currently no guarantees to prevent the Russian Federation from resuming military operations at any time after signing a fictitious ceasefire. “Moreover, that is precisely what the Russian Federation will do, as it will not be punished for mass crimes and violations of international law,” noted the representative of the Ukrainian President's Office.

He also pointed out that in the event of a ceasefire, the Russian Federation would undoubtedly gain a strategic advantage and would “act even more boldly in global markets.”

“It will certainly create an active network of provocative countries that will begin to destabilize regions more aggressively. The Kremlin will also use that time to rearm and prepare for a new phase of aggression or aggressions,” Podolyak stated.

“A temporary ceasefire will absolutely record the annexation of part of Ukrainian lands by the Russian Federation and will establish the right of the aggressor to annex territories through military means in the world order. This will create a very intensely militarized zone,” he noted, emphasizing that the “right of the strong” and the “right of predatory war” will become “key elements of foreign policy.”

Podolyak reminded that a mandatory condition for a ceasefire would be Ukraine's refusal to join NATO. According to him, this would give the Russian Federation hope and the opportunity to keep Ukraine within its sphere of influence.

He added that the real recovery of Ukraine (in terms of territory, infrastructure, and quality of life of citizens) is only possible with the return of control over the territories. He emphasized that a temporary halt in hostilities would not eliminate the suffering of millions of Ukrainians under occupation, would not motivate refugees to return from abroad, and would not be able to attract investors.