Ukraine giving up land to Russia would lead to a catastrophe

Ukrainian journalist Vitaly Portnikov in the Dialog:

"Western partners are interested in Ukraine fighting to the end

If Russia gains Ukrainian territories without even seizing them, it will become a major problem for the entire world, as Putin and his ilk will realize that they can not only take what belongs to others with impunity, but also achieve their land-grabbing goals even through non-military means, explained Vitaly Portnikov. Portnikov spoke about this on the "And Graham Came" YouTube channel. 

The publicist first explained why territorial compromise with Russia is absolutely unacceptable: "If Trump accepts the idea that the Ukrainian army can abandon territories controlled by the legitimate Ukrainian government without a fight, where there isn't a single Russian soldier, this will only expand the aggressor's appetite, and not just at Ukraine's expense, because it will become clear to everyone that it is possible to seize territory and then legitimize its efforts not only by force but also legally."

"This is a very dangerous path, and I have always been convinced that it is in the West's interests to support Ukraine's desire to fight, even if Ukraine itself were willing to cede territory to Russia. It would have to be restrained with all possible force. We would have to say, 'We will help you, we will give you weapons, but please fight for your territories, because preserving international law is important to us.' If the Ukrainian leadership said we don't have the strength, then the response should have been, 'We will help you with strength, we will help you with money. Please fight, because otherwise there will be a catastrophe,'" Vitaly Portnikov expressed his view of the situation."