As peace talks between Russia and Ukraine resume, pressure is increasing for Ukraine to accept significant territorial concessions as the price of a ceasefire. The author argues that a settlement that rewards territorial conquest would not stabilize Europe and legitimize the use of force to redraw borders, weaken NATO's deterrent credibility, and invite renewed aggression. This is consistent with Russian President Vladimir Putin's demands, which are also reflected in the Trump administration's 28-point peace plan. Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, cannot unilaterally concede territory without parliamentary approval or a national referendum, and public opinion is clear. The authors argue that ceding sovereign territory would validate Putin's war of conquest and confirm that force, coupled with war crimes, can yield permanent rewards. They also note that at least 1.5 million Ukrainian children currently live in Russian-occupied or disputed territories.