Ukraine Rejects Territorial concessions in Peace Talks, Top Commander warns
KYIV, Ukraine – Ukraine will not cede any territory in a potential peace agreement with Russia, the country’s top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated in an interview with Sky News on December 5. He accused Moscow of using diplomatic discussions as a pretext to continue its military offensive and seize more Ukrainian land.
“Naturally, for us it is unacceptable to simply give up territory. What does it even mean – to hand over our land? This is precisely why we are fighting; so we do not give up our territory,” Syrskyi said,speaking from an undisclosed location in eastern Ukraine via a translator. He asserted that a “just peace” could only be achieved through a ceasefire along the current front line, followed by negotiations.
Syrskyi revealed the intensity of the fighting, stating that Russian forces are launching between 4,000-5,000 one-way attack drones and 1,500-2,000 bomb-dropping drones daily. He confirmed Ukrainian forces are now matching, and in some areas surpassing, those numbers, notably with First-Person View (FPV) drones. “At the moment, we are deploying slightly more FPV drones than the Russians,” he noted.
The commander further alleged that Russia is actively pursuing offensives despite publicly signaling a willingness to negotiate. “The enemy continues its offensive, using these peace talks as cover,” Syrskyi said. “There are no pauses, no delays in their operations.They keep pushing their troops forward to seize as much of our territory as possible under the cover of negotiations.”
Heavy fighting is currently concentrated around Pokrovsk, Kupiansk, Lyman, and Huliaipole, according to Syrskyi. He estimates Russia has deployed over 710,000 troops and is suffering daily losses of “around 1,000 to 1,100 soldiers a day,killed or wounded ‘and a majority are killed’.” Ukrainian forces are currently holding positions in the northern part of Pokrovsk.
Syrskyi emphasized the critical importance of continued international military aid, expressing hope for sustained U.S.support while also looking to European partners to step up if necessary. He warned that without Ukraine’s defense, “others will be forced to fight in Europe.”
Ukraine intends to continue targeting Russian logistics, industrial centers, and oil infrastructure with long-range drones to disrupt Moscow’s war capabilities. Despite facing exhaustion, Syrskyi affirmed the unwavering commitment of Ukrainian troops, stating, ”We are just forced to wage this war… protecting our peopel, our cities and towns, and our land.” He highlighted the consequences of Russian occupation, describing it as leaving behind “only ruins, only deaths.”
