The UK Foreign Secretary stresses the importance of Ukraine reclaiming all occupied land and warns against the consequences of an ‘uneasy peace’.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has warned against an “uneasy peace” that would involve Ukraine conceding any territory lost to Russia since 2014. Speaking in advance of a major NATO summit in Madrid, where leaders are expected to endorse a significant reshaping of the alliance, Truss emphasised the need for sustained Western support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.

In an interview with Die Welt, La Repubblica, and El Pais, Truss reiterated her belief that the West must provide “all the equipment, training, and support” to Kyiv to ensure its success. She highlighted the dire consequences for Europe if Ukraine fails to repel Russia’s forces, stressing that the security of the continent is at stake.

“What we cannot afford is an uneasy peace, where Russia maintains a foothold in Ukraine. This approach will never work,” Truss said, pointing to the 2014 Minsk agreements, which she claimed allowed Russia to regroup and launch further aggression. “We cannot allow history to repeat itself,” she warned.

Truss’s comments come as Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepares to join fellow NATO leaders in Madrid for a summit focused on updating the military alliance’s strategy. While Johnson has previously suggested that Ukraine’s borders should return to their pre-February 2022 state, Truss made a more definitive call for the recovery of all Ukrainian territory seized since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

“Ultimately, I believe all parts of Ukraine have been illegally occupied,” Truss stated. “This is about what the Ukrainians want, and President Zelensky has been very clear that they intend to reclaim their territory.”

The Foreign Secretary also reiterated the importance of holding Russia accountable for its actions, particularly for war crimes committed during the ongoing invasion. She stressed the necessity of ensuring that Russia is unable to pose a future threat to its neighbours.

When asked if she was prepared for the possibility that the West could be supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russia for a decade, Truss responded firmly: “We are in this for the long haul.” She added, “The more we do now, the sooner we are likely to see Ukraine prevail.”

Discussing the possibility of direct confrontation with Russia, Truss stated that “all forces must be prepared for all eventualities,” while stressing the importance of strengthening NATO’s defence posture in Eastern Europe. She stopped short of specifying a number for the permanent presence required in the region but noted that Europe’s security has been permanently compromised by Russia’s actions.

“The Russian invasion has made security in Europe permanently worse,” Truss said. “NATO’s response must be to increase its presence and ensure it remains permanent in the region.”

Truss also echoed Prime Minister Johnson’s concerns about the risks of “fatigue” setting in among Western nations, urging continued unity in supporting Ukraine. She praised the “absolute unity” of the G7 nations in backing Ukraine’s cause.

On the rising cost of energy and the economic impact of sanctions on Russia, Truss emphasised the long-term importance of Western support for Ukraine. “The cost to us of not supporting Ukraine and failing to ensure its victory is far greater,” she said, referencing the economic difficulties many Western countries are facing due to rising energy prices.

In conclusion, Truss made it clear that the fight against Russian aggression is not just a battle for Ukraine, but a crucial test for global security and stability. “We must not shy away from our responsibilities. The consequences of failure are too great,” she said.