As Ukrainian forces retreat in the east of the country against advancing Russian troops, Britain has expressed concerns that Kyiv may have to make concessions if the conflict and its economic repercussions extend. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated on Saturday that he fears Ukraine will face pressure to agree to a peace deal with Russia that does not serve its interests due to the economic impacts of the war in Europe. He added during a radio broadcast in Kigali, Rwanda, while attending the Commonwealth Leaders' Summit, "Many countries say this is an unnecessary European war... therefore the pressure will increase to encourage and perhaps force Ukrainians to accept a bad peace," according to Reuters.
He also mentioned that the consequences of Russian President Vladimir Putin succeeding in his agenda in Ukraine would be dangerous for global security and result in a "long-term economic disaster." These warnings come at a time when many international parties are starting to assume that the conflict, which began on February 24, could persist, entering its fourth month without any prospects for a solution or ceasefire between the two countries. Both sides have suffered heavy losses in terms of lives and equipment, with entire areas and cities, especially in the Donbas region, being destroyed as fighting has intensified in recent weeks. Since March, Moscow has announced the start of the second phase of its military operation, focusing on the east, particularly Donbas, which has been partially controlled by pro-Russian forces since 2014. The Russian military is seeking to create a land corridor linking the east with the Crimean Peninsula to the south, which Russia annexed eight years ago.
