Ukraine Should Cede Donbas to Russia for Practical Benefits Despite Unfairness
Source: The American Conservative. "Five Reasons for Ukraine to Give Up Donbas - The American Conservative." March 6, 2026. www.theamericanconservative.com
The Gist
The author argues Ukraine should give up the Donbas region to Russia even though it's unfair, because Ukraine will lose it anyway and giving it up now could end the war, save lives, and help Ukraine join the EU while preventing future conflicts.
Conclusion
Ukraine should diplomatically cede the Donbas region to Russia despite this being unfair and against international law
Premises
- Ukraine will inevitably lose Donbas either through diplomacy or continued warfare, so diplomatic cession prevents further loss of life
- Ceding Donbas could end the current war by satisfying Russia's core remaining goal of protecting ethnic Russians in the region
- A border at western Donbas makes ethnic and historical sense, reflecting Ukraine's traditional east-west cultural divide
- Removing disputed territories like Donbas reduces causes of future Russian attacks and provides Ukraine security guarantees
- Ceding predominantly ethnic Russian areas would help Ukraine meet EU membership requirements for linguistic and religious diversity
- De jure recognition of Russian control prevents future conflicts that could arise from de facto control arrangements
Assumptions
- Russia's control over Donbas is militarily inevitable
- Russia's primary motivation is protecting ethnic Russians rather than territorial expansion
- Ethnic and cultural divisions justify territorial changes
- EU membership and Western integration represent victory for Ukraine
- Territorial concessions will actually satisfy Russia and prevent future aggression