Demand a Just Peace: No Land for Aggression in Ukraine

The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in immense suffering, displacement, and loss of life. Recent negotiations have raised the alarming prospect that Ukraine may be pressured to surrender parts of its sovereign territory in exchange for a ceasefire or peace deal. This would set a dangerous precedent, rewarding military aggression and undermining the principles of international law.

President Zelensky has made clear that Ukraine’s constitution forbids trading away land, and that any territorial questions must be decided by the Ukrainian people, not imposed by foreign powers or aggressors. Yet, reports indicate that the Russian government continues to demand full control of Donetsk, Luhansk, and other regions as a precondition for ending the war, with some Western leaders considering these demands as part of a peace settlement.

We call on President Biden, Prime Minister Starmer, President von der Leyen, President Macron, and Chancellor Merz to stand unequivocally with Ukraine’s right to self-determination. Any peace process must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, reject land-for-peace deals, and ensure accountability for violations of international law. The international community must not reward invasion and occupation.

We demand a just peace that centers the voices and rights of Ukrainians, not the interests of aggressors or outside powers. Only through respect for sovereignty and international law can lasting peace and security be achieved in the region.