Former press secretary for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Yuliya Mendel, published an article in Time magazine, in which she noted that Ukraine should agree to a ceasefire, even if it does not lead to a "just peace," and urged not to perceive it as capitulation.
According to Mendel, this is the only chance to preserve the country's statehood, economy, and people.
According to sociological data cited by Mendel, 38% of Ukrainians are ready to make territorial concessions for the sake of peace. The author considers this figure "unexpectedly conservative."
The article emphasizes the critical situation with migration: about 7.5 million Ukrainians have left the country since the start of the full-scale war. In 2024, the rate of emigration increased 3.3 times compared to the previous year - more than 440,000 people left the country.
Mendel notes that a third of Ukraine’s territory has been turned into “complete hell” due to constant shelling. At the same time, russian troops continue their slow but “unstoppable advance” in Donbas, approaching the borders of the Dnipropetrovsk Region.
“Even an imperfect ceasefire can give Ukraine the opportunity to strengthen its defenses, which was impossible to do under constant shelling,” the journalist writes.
She acknowledges the risk that russia could use the ceasefire to regroup, but believes that this will give Ukraine a chance to strengthen its positions.
“I call on our allies, our leaders and, above all, my compatriots: think about the value of the ceasefire. Let us accept this difficult path not as a capitulation, but as a necessary step towards securing the future of Ukraine,” Mendel emphasized.
In her opinion, "naivety today lies not in seeking respite, but in believing that an endless war of attrition can lead to victory."
As previously reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that future peace talks would involve Ukraine, the United States, European countries, and russia.
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