In his assessment, Ukrainian Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council Mykola Kyznych says Vladimir Putin wishes to reconstruct the Soviet Union and will not stop at Ukraine. He warns that the entire continent, including Poland, could be at risk.
Russia’s demands mean a de facto capitulation of Ukraine
On Sunday, August 17, Mykola Kyznych appeared on TVN24 and emphasised that Ukraine counts on the European Union to continue its support. He added that for Ukrainians it is very important that American society, and even Trump’s voters, also back the country – a factor that could pressure Trump. According to Kyznych, Putin’s demands, including those on occupied Ukrainian territories and a ban on NATO access, amount to a de facto capitulation of Ukraine, making European support essential. “If this murderer is not punished, Europe as a whole, including Poland, will be in danger,” he warned.
Putin’s Proposal for Ukraine
On Sunday, August 17, Reuters described Vladimir Putin’s “offer” for Ukraine that the Russian leader was set to present at the Alaska summit. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Russia would be willing to return occupied areas in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. In exchange, Kyiv would need to fully withdraw from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, while Russia would promise to freeze the front line in the southern regions of Chernihiv and Zaporozhye. The offer also excluded a ceasefire until a comprehensive agreement is reached, blocking a key demand of Volodymyr Zelensky. Reuters further reports that Putin would seek formal recognition of Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea, which it seized in 2014.
European Council President: Europe is Ready to Add Its Brick
On Sunday, Antonio Costa stressed that unity between Europe and the United States is critical for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine. “’s meeting of the so-called coalition of willing parties that if a ceasefire is not achieved, the European Union and the United States must increase pressure on Russia,” he wrote on X after the European leaders’ meeting ahead of the Monday talks between Trump and Zelensky in Washington. He added that “Ukraine’s sovereign right to determine the conditions of peace must be respected.” “We gladly accept the United States’ readiness to provide Ukraine with security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression and jointly ensure a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine. Europe is ready to add its share,” he highlighted in the post. Vice‑premier Radosław Sikorski represented Poland at the videoconference.
