Oleksandr Slyvchuk, Coordinator of the Spain and Latin America Cooperation Program at the Transatlantic Dialogue Center, joined Actualidad Radio in Florida, USA, to discuss Ukraine’s Independence Day, the impossibility of territorial concessions, and possible scenarios for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
In the interview, Slyvchuk argued that Ukraine’s Independence Day has gained renewed meaning during the full-scale war. As he noted, many historians now describe the current war as a war for Ukraine’s independence, because Russia’s motives have not changed: Moscow continues to deny Ukraine’s right to exist as a sovereign state.
Slyvchuk stressed that territorial concessions are not a realistic path to peace. He warned that no peace agreement involving the ceding of Ukrainian territory would be accepted in Ukraine, as such a step would amount to “suicide for the state.” In his view, concessions would not stop Russia, but only encourage Moscow to return later for more Ukrainian territory.
The conversation also focused on the role of the United States. Slyvchuk emphasized that Washington holds unique leverage over the Kremlin through sanctions, pressure, and military support. He noted that neither Ukraine nor Europe can fully replace key U.S. capabilities, including Patriot missiles, making continued American support critical for Ukraine’s defense.
Speaking about Ukraine’s domestic politics, Slyvchuk said there is a broad consensus that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains the country’s legitimate wartime leader, with many Ukrainians satisfied with his work, even as the pressure of war has visibly exhausted him.
Finally, Slyvchuk outlined two possible scenarios for ending the war: a frozen conflict along the current frontline, or the internal collapse of Vladimir Putin’s regime as dissatisfaction inside Russia continues to grow. He underlined that Russia is not currently seeking peace, but aims to continue occupying Ukrainian territory.
Watch the full interview with Oleksandr Slyvchuk via the link or right down here:
Please note that the discussion is conducted in Spanish.