Journalist Alina Kühnel, on Moldova 1 TV: Putin’s territorial claims, key factor in the stagnation of negotiations
Peace negotiations in Ukraine are at a standstill, largely due to Vladimir Putin's refusal to relinquish territorial claims, according to Deutsche Welle journalist Alina Kühnel. In an interview with Moldova 1 TV, she explained that while Europe is attempting to maintain strategic balance by providing military support to Ukraine, the United States is indicating a partial withdrawal, as Russia shows no signs of making concessions.
In a recent interview with India Today, Putin stated that Russia does not agree with the peace plan presented by the United States. He insists that Ukraine must withdraw militarily from Donbas and fully cede Donetsk. As a result, the two sides remain in a state of intense conflict, with no signs of finding common ground.
Kühnel emphasizes that the recent political rhetoric from Moscow and Washington does not reflect conditions conducive to genuine negotiations. Without a consensus, a just and lasting peace cannot be achieved.
"Ukraine is no longer resilient, and understandably so, after nearly four years of conflict on the front lines. The prevailing sentiment in Germany is that this conflict needs to be resolved through negotiations. Without the support of the United States at first, and now with assistance from European nations, Ukraine is unable to sustain its efforts on the battlefield. Therefore, it is crucial for all parties involved to convene at the negotiation table as soon as possible, bringing practical plans to ensure a lasting peace," Kühnel notes.
She highlights a growing perception in Europe that Ukraine cannot continue the fight without external support.
"I can share that, based on the impressions we gather in Germany, more voices are expressing the concern that Ukraine is unfortunately losing ground and has limited chances of winning the battle. In the end, we must reach an agreement that does not result in territorial losses for Ukraine. However, the situation regarding the support Ukraine receives is quite troubling—the Pentagon has halted direct communication with Germany for several months, indicating that the U.S. is increasingly distancing itself from the events occurring here," Kühnel adds.
At the same time, she points out that European countries are ramping up military purchases for Ukraine, suggesting a shift in responsibilities within the Western alliance.
"On Wednesday, December 3, in Brussels, several NATO member states, including Germany, Poland, and Norway, announced the purchase of weapons from the United States worth one billion euros, intended for Ukraine. This suggests that European nations are stepping up to fulfill their responsibilities. The United States is attempting, at least on an image level, to promote a peace initiative that should receive widespread support. On this point, Putin is quite right: thousands of people are dying every day in both Ukraine and Russia, and this violence must come to an end," concluded Alina Kühnel on Moldova 1 TV.
