Ukraine is ready to give up 20% of its territory, but without legally recognizing it as part of Russia – NYP

Ukraine appears willing to relinquish control over 20% of its territory—if the West does not officially recognize the annexed lands as Russian, meaning Ukraine may agree to a de facto, but not de jure, recognition of the situation on the ground.

This was reported by The New York Post, citing an American source familiar with Kyiv’s position during recent negotiations in Paris.

“An official stated that Ukraine seems ready to give up 20% of its territory, as long as it is considered de facto recognition, not de jure,” the source told the paper.

According to the source, Kyiv’s primary concern during the Paris talks was the territorial issue—how the status of the occupied regions would be recognized.

“De facto means we acknowledge that the Russians have occupied this territory. But we’re not saying Ukraine is giving it up forever,” the official explained.

The source also said that Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had indicated that Ukraine supports about 90% of the peace plan proposed by the U.S. and discussed during the Paris meeting. However, The New York Post notes that Umerov later denied this, stating that the Ministry of Defense does not make political decisions.

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal and other media outlets reported that as part of a potential peace settlement, the U.S. might recognize Russia’s control over Crimea.

This has widely sparked concern in Ukraine, with many interpreting that Kyiv may ultimately be pressured to do the same.