Should Ukraine negotiate a ceasefire with Russia even without a democratic mandate from its people?

Context

Since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the conflict has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions, forcing difficult questions about war termination. The debate over whether Ukraine should negotiate a ceasefire without a popular referendum reflects tensions between pragmatic military realities, democratic legitimacy, and the risk that premature talks could entrench territorial losses. This question has intensified as ceasefire proposals from various actors—including the U.S.—have emerged alongside shifting battlefield dynamics.