Surrendering territories and providing security guarantees are considered the basis for future negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, the Financial Times writes. According to sources, the West and Kiev are increasingly inclined to think that the basis for settling the conflict could be security guarantees for Ukraine in exchange for Russia's control over the territories occupied during the fighting. According to the Financial Times, such a plan assumes that Ukraine will be forced to recognize Russia's current control over some regions, but will seek their return in the future through diplomatic means.

Despite Ukraine's initial calls to restore its territorial integrity, Kyiv's Western allies have begun to consider compromise options, analysts say. In exchange for territory, Ukraine could be given security guarantees from NATO and other international organizations. This would allow Kyiv to focus on long-term political and economic stability.