Diplomatic path to ending war “possible but unlikely” - Ukraine’s defense chief

Ukraine will definitely regain its territories within the internationally recognized borders as of 1991. A diplomatic way to end the war is possible, but not with the current Russian leadership in place.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov expressed his opinion in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

"The diplomatic way is possible when the aggressor's resources are weakening while they still seek to bargain. They will want to bargain a certain sanction lift, opportunities at selling or trading in something in order to get by. Their specific treasury holders will want to use it, they will want to stop being outcasts, for their children to be able to study elsewhere. They will search for bargains. And this bargaining is already diplomacy," minister said.

The defense chief emphasized Ukraine’s goal to prove that altering borders by force is unacceptable. He suggested that a diplomatic way to end the war was possible, but unlikely. In particular, it will not happen as long as Russia’s current leadership is in power.

"Definitely not. I think it might already happen with this regime’s successors. They may remain ideologically the same, but their names will be different and it will be easier for them to nod at their predecessors, saying that they ruined everything," minister said.

Reznikov expressed confidence that Russia would be held accountable for crimes committed in Ukraine. He cited Germany as an example, as well as both world wars. According to the minister, the defeat in World War 1 and the Treaty of Versailles led to revanchist sentiments, which is why Germany unleashed another large-scale war.

"That's why there will be a desire for revenge after Russia is defeated in this war. That's why we need an international tribunal, a conditional ‘Nuremberg-2,’ wherever it takes place. Some suggest it’ll be the Hague – indeed, it's symbolic, although I would do it in Mariupol or Kharkiv – at least a tribunal session," the head of the Ministry of Defense said.

As reported, in Reznikov's opinion, the 11th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein, Germany, brought Russia closer to being held accountable. "The results of Ramstein-11: Russia is approaching Nuremberg-2. Each meeting in this format not only gives more useful ‘gifts’ to the Ukrainian Army, but also aims at bringing criminals to justice," Reznikov wrote.