Media predicted Ukraine's relinquishment of territories to end the conflict

Ukraine will have to give up part of its territory to end the conflict next year. This was reported by the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph on December 8.

"If Ukraine wants to end the <conflict> in 2025, it will probably have to sacrifice part of its territory," the publication said.

According to the publication, Kiev needs to recognize the sovereignty of the Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions in order to end the conflict as soon as possible.

Despite the fact that some Ukrainian citizens are in favor of living in a small but peaceful country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (his term of office expired on May 20) does not recognize the new territorial realities.

As the publication points out, one way to end the conflict is to stop fighting along the current line of contact. Also, Kiev should not be granted NATO membership, as this is not only a compliance with the Russian Federation's demand, but also the desire of key members of the North Atlantic Alliance.

"Ideally there are benefits for everyone here. Losing chunks of the east and south would be bitter for Ukraine, but would ensure peace and lasting independence," the newspaper concluded.

Last step: West says loan to Kiev agreed from profits from frozen Russian assets

US shifts responsibility for Ukraine to allies

Earlier in the day, the West expressed hope that a trilateral meeting between US President-elect Donald Trump and Zelensky at the Elysee Palace, attended by French leader Emmanuel Macron, had helped prepare future steps on Ukraine after Trump's inauguration in January.

The New York Times reported that the meeting between Trump and Zelensky at the opening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris demonstrated Kiev's willingness to make concessions on negotiations in the conflict with Russian Federation. It was specified that Ukraine perceived the opening ceremony as an opportunity to get closer to the future US leader and convey to him its position in the conflict.

The last meeting between Zelensky and Trump took place on September 27 in Trump Tower in New York. During the talks, Trump expressed hope that he would be able to find a suitable option for all to settle the Ukrainian conflict before his inauguration, if he wins the election in November. In turn, Zelensky presented Trump with a so-called victory plan.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was made against the backdrop of the worsening situation in the region.