Trump-Putin deal forcing Ukraine to give up territory would breach international law, lawyers say
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The incoming US president Donald Trump could risk violating international law – as well as sending a “chilling” message to aggressors around the world – if he forces Ukraine to give up territory as part of a peace deal with Russia, human rights lawyers have warned. On Sunday, Mr Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz said that the president-elect has acknowledged the “reality” of Ukraine’s position. If Trump forces Ukraine into conceding territory, “even if aimed at peace and bringing an end to Russia’s illegal aggression”, it will amount to fundamental violation of international law, says Wayne Jordash KC, president of international human rights firm Global Rights Compliance, headquartered at The Hague. Mr Trump said Russia had it “written in stone” that Ukraine should never be allowed to join Nato, but the Biden administration had sought to expand the military alliance to Russia’s doorstep.