Ukraine finds it ‘practically impossible’ to regain its territories, but there is a chance to get closer to NATO and the EU – NYT

For Ukraine, it will be “practically impossible” to reclaim all its territory, but it will be able to move closer to the European Union and NATO.

This information writes The New York Times, citing American officials.

In the United States, there is a growing belief that the war with Russia is now about Ukraine’s western future rather than the occupied territories. Kiev will be able to push for greater European integration “if its battlefield performance proves stronger.” Currently, on Washington’s advice, Kiev is focusing on strengthening its defense and striking deep behind Russian lines.

Americans doubt that Russia will achieve significant territorial gains in Ukraine in the coming months. However, the situation could change with the expansion of Russia’s conscription and training programs for military personnel or a shift in US policy if Donald Trump comes to power.

There are also real concerns about Ukraine’s ability to maintain critical infrastructure, including power grids, amid massive and deep missile attacks from Russia.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO without liberating the occupied territories. Before that, the head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, stated that Ukraine is not ready to concede the captured territories to Russia in exchange for ending the war.