Stoltenberg outlines ‘freezing’ front line as quick war-end option without territorial concessions to Russia

“If a ceasefire line means that Russia continues to control all occupied territories, it does not mean that Ukraine should give up its land forever,” said the former NATO chief.

Stoltenberg noted that it is important for Kyiv to receive security guarantees in exchange for the temporary transfer of territory. According to him, this could involve NATO membership, but there are also “other ways to arm and support Ukrainians.”

At the same time, he supported Zelenskyy’s demand not to hand over any territories to Russia in the event of a ceasefire, but he believes that this is unlikely given the current military situation in Ukraine.

“We need a ceasefire line, and, of course, ideally, this line should include all the territories currently controlled by Russia. However, we see that this is not necessarily realistic in the near future,” Stoltenberg added.

On Nov. 20, Reuters reported that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was willing to discuss a ceasefire agreement with elected U.S. President Donald Trump but rejected any significant territorial concessions and insisted that Kyiv abandon its NATO aspirations.

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed that Putin rejects the option of freezing the war in Ukraine.

Earlier, President Zelenskyy stated that the conditions for possible negotiations with Russia would depend on how strong Ukraine’s position is—both on the battlefield and in diplomacy.