In an exclusive interview with Norwegian television channel NRK, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide categorically rejected the possibility of any agreements on the division of Europe along the lines of the 1945 Yalta Conference. The statement came amid growing discussions about possible peace talks on Ukraine and fears that some world leaders might agree to territorial compromises.
“There will be no new ‘Yalta’. Europe will not agree to divide up the continent behind closed doors and without the participation of those directly affected. Only the Ukrainian people can determine the fate of Ukraine, its borders, and its future in accordance with international law,” Espen Barth Eide emphasized.
He added: “We see how some politicians, particularly in the US, are beginning to talk about ‘realistic’ compromises and recognition of ‘territorial realities’. This is absolutely unacceptable for Europe. We do not trade in other people’s land and other people’s freedom.”
The Norwegian minister’s statement was a response to recent signals from Washington about a possible quick resolution to the conflict in Ukraine after the inauguration of the new US president. European capitals fear that such negotiations could take place without the full participation of Kyiv and the EU, reminiscent of the 1945 Yalta Conference, where the leaders of the USSR, the US, and the UK determined the post-war order in Europe without taking into account the opinions of many countries.
Eide recalled key international documents: “Any peace negotiations must take place with the full participation of Ukraine and in strict compliance with the UN Charter, the 1975 Helsinki Accords, and the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which guarantees Ukraine’s territorial integrity.”
“We will support Ukraine for as long as necessary. Sanctions against Russia will remain in place until its troops are completely withdrawn from internationally recognized Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and Donbas,” the minister said.
Despite his tough rhetoric, Eide did not rule out the possibility of dialogue: “Everyone wants peace, but it must be fair. Ukraine has the right to self-defense and to restore its territorial integrity.”
The Norwegian minister’s statement strengthens the position of European countries opposed to hasty compromises. It came at a time when Europe is actively discussing increased support for Ukraine against the backdrop of the winter campaign and possible changes in US policy.
As a NATO member and one of Europe’s largest energy suppliers, Norway plays an important role in shaping a unified Western position on the Ukrainian issue. Eide’s statement sent a clear signal: Europe is ready to defend its principles and will not allow history to repeat itself.