Ukraine Can Still Fight for Years and Will Not Agree to Lose Territory, National Guard Chief Says

In a recent interview, Oleksandr Pivnenko, the Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, stated that Ukraine can sustain its fight against Russian forces for many more years. He directly countered claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that without a quick ceasefire, Ukraine would ultimately lose the war.

Pivnenko emphasized that “we are capable of fighting for several more years, 100%,” but he acknowledged the need for wars to end. He expressed deep empathy for the human cost of conflict, saying, “Killing people over territory and resources is something we struggle to comprehend. It has to stop.”

According to Pivnenko, victory for Ukraine must encapsulate the reclamation of all occupied territories. While he recognized that achieving this goal may not be feasible in the immediate term, he stressed its significance for the future. “Victory for Ukraine in military terms is, of course, to take back its territories,” he stated.

When questioned about the possibility of territorial concessions, Pivnenko categorically rejected such options, asserting that “no one is going to give up territory.” He explained that while a ceasefire along the contact line could be understood, any agreement that involved ceding territory would be unacceptable.

Pivnenko also noted the burden placed on Ukrainian society due to the war. He remarked that after significant sacrifices, any proposal to surrender land would likely meet public resistance. “How would our people perceive this? Why did we even bother defending ourselves in the first place?" he asked rhetorically.

While the desire for peace is universal, Pivnenko highlighted the critical question of “at what cost?” He indicated that society is inclined to support a ceasefire that enables a reevaluation of strategies, but they are united in not relinquishing territory to the aggressor.

With ongoing negotiations alongside the U.S. and Russia, Ukraine is grappling with various unresolved issues, particularly those concerning territorial rights. Despite the exhaustion caused by prolonged warfare, Pivnenko’s statements reinforce a determined stance against any compromise that would involve ceding land, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity.