Defending Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity with Ambassador Elayne Whyte and Prof. Kushtrim Istrefi

Lawyering Peace

How can Ukraine protect its territorial integrity in peace negotiations?

What role does the international community play in ensuring that no territory is lost?
In this episode, Ambassador Elayne Whyte Gómez of Costa Rica and member of PILPG’s Circle of Former Ambassadors, and Professor Kushtrim Istrefi of Utrecht University and PILPG Senior Peace Fellow, join the conversation.

Ambassador Gómez and Professor Istrefi explore questions relating to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the central importance of maintaining its rightful territorial claims during peace negotiations.

Negotiations to end Russia’s war have gained momentum in recent weeks. However, the question of Ukraine’s occupied territories and their future status remains a key concern for Ukraine and its allies as they consider what a future peace agreement may look like.

Russia continues to deny the validity of Ukraine’s rightful claim to its internationally recognized borders as of 1991, and seeks to portray its war of aggression as . However, as our guests demonstrate, Ukraine’s claim is firmly rooted in international law. Our experts discuss the risks of unresolved territorial disputes, the role of international law, and outline practical tools at Ukraine and its allies’ disposal to maintain Ukraine’s territorial claim during peace negotiations, including international administration and non-recognition strategies.
In a war which Russia consistently claims is based on self-defense and self-determination, our guests remind us that it is crucial to keep focus on the reality of Russia’s invasion as a war of aggression against the territorial sovereignty of Ukraine. Tune in for a compelling discussion on how Ukraine can push back against historical distortions, build alliances, and secure its future.

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Ukraine and its allies stand at a critical juncture as they pursue a just and lasting peace and an end to Russia’s war of aggression. The road ahead is fraught with difficult issues that will arise during a future peace process, from territorial integrity and post-war security frameworks to EU accession and justice and accountability.

In this special mini-series, Prospects for Peace In Ukraine, we sit down with Ukrainian and international experts in law, diplomacy, and peace negotiations to explore some of these key issues. Together, we examine the strategies, options, and opportunities ahead as Ukraine and its allies navigate the peace process against a shifting international landscape.