Italian politician: Ceding Donetsk defenses could trigger new Russian offensive

The Italian politician said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"The only acceptable solution, in my opinion, is that you have the front line frozen. Without the recognition of what Russia has 'stolen' from Ukraine. So just, you know, stop in fighting, but no territorial concession," Calenda said, outlining his vision for a peace settlement.

He also highlighted the line of fortified defensive positions Ukraine has been building to protect itself from aggression since 2014.

"Especially as far as the fortress belt in Donbass is concerned," the politician said.

Calenda referred to the 1938 Munich Agreement, when Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland was handed over to Nazi Germany, drawing a parallel between Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who is trying to obtain through negotiations what he has failed to achieve on the battlefield.

"So don't give your fortress belt for free. Because Russians will then go straight for Kyiv," the Italian senator said.

He added that he fully understands the pressure faced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"I understand that the opposition is very difficult. Pushed by Trump, pushed by Putin. But you have to resist. As Europeans, we will keep on sending you money and weapons," Calenda said.

The Italian politician believes that territorial concessions would lead to a new and even larger conflict.

"Don't give that piece of Ukraine to Putin. Because he will immediately start a new aggression. And then will be much more difficult to stop him," Calenda said.

As Ukrinform reported, ahead of a new round of trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia in Geneva, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Ukraine should "better come to the table fast."

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War believe that Russia will not limit its territorial claims against Ukraine when pursuing a peace agreement.