Why Russia's war on Ukraine can't end in “Korean scenario“: British historian explains

Timothy Garton Ash expressed his opinion during a conversation with Ukrainian journalists at the 10th Lviv Media Forum, Kharkiv portal Dumka reports on June 9.

According to Ash, some Western elites might pressure Ukraine to give up land, suggesting a division of the country similar to Cold War-era Germany. Their argument might be: "Things aren't going well, we have given a lot, it's been two years, and there are problems in Gaza and elsewhere. We need to redefine what victory means." 

They might propose making peace around the current territory division, with Ukraine being like West Germany during the Cold War - a safe, prosperous democracy. Eastern Ukraine would be like East Germany.

The historian noted that supporters of this approach fail to consider Russia's policy in the occupied Ukrainian territories and misunderstand the aggressor country's true stance towards Ukraine.

"This is like North Korea. It's even worse than North Korea. East Germany remained Germany. You know what is happening in the occupied territories of Ukraine. It's terror and systemic Russification. It's completely wrong to think that eastern Ukraine will be like East Germany during the Cold War,"  Ash said.

Additionally, under the described conditions, NATO membership will no longer be considered, and EU membership will become a distant prospect, historian added.

• 107 countries and international organizations will attend the Swiss Peace Summit on Ukraine, scheduled for June 15-16.