Kyiv (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirms Kyiv is coordinating with the US and allies on a peace plan, calling for accountability from Russia.
As reported by Reuters, Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine will continue coordinating with the US and allies on peace proposals amid the second day of talks in Switzerland, following Washington’s suggested concessions.
What did Volodymyr Zelenskyy say about peace talks and Russia’s territorial claim?
Volodymyr Zelenskyy argued that
“the core principle that kept Europe peaceful longer than at any other time in its history must be respected,”
as borders must remain inviolable.
During the opening of the Crimea Platform in Sweden, Mr Zelenskyy warned via videolink that Europe must uphold the principle, or it will fail globally.
Commenting on the Geneva talks this weekend, he stated Ukraine was
“working closely with the US, with European partners, and many, many others to define steps that can end Russia’s war against us … and bring real security.”
The Ukrainian president said Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks “legal recognition” for seized territories, violating the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Mr Zelenskyy praised talks with the US, highlighting agreements on sensitive issues such as the release of Ukrainian POWs and abducted children, but said more is needed for lasting peace.
He continued,
“We all continue working with partners, especially the United States, and look for compromises that strengthen but not weaken us, and we will continue explaining how dangerous it is to pretend that aggression is something one can simply overlook and move on.”
Mr Zelenskyy called on leaders to remain vigilant, uphold Europe’s postwar peace, ensure war criminals face justice, and hold aggressors fully accountable.
What did European leaders say about the unresolved points in Ukraine’s peace plan?
European leaders say “major issues” remain in Ukraine’s peace plan as US and Kyiv negotiators return to talks in Geneva today.
Over the weekend, the US and Ukraine, supported by Europe, worked to revise a 28-point proposal seen as favoring Russia, including demands for Ukraine to cede territory, limit its military, and abandon NATO ambitions.
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb said there is still much work to be done.
He said,
“The negotiations were a step forward, but there are still major issues that remain to be resolved.”
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the Geneva talks were a “decisive success” for Europe, noting that all NATO and security issues have been removed.
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor, said the US favors Russia rejoining the G8 amid ongoing Geneva negotiations.
He stated,
“At the moment, I cannot see that among the six members of today’s G7 who are not America, there is a willingness to readmit Russia to this group.”
What progress was made in the Geneva talks?
After Sunday’s emergency summit on November 23, the US and Ukraine agreed on a new “updated and refined” plan to try ending the war with Russia.
In a joint statement, both delegations said their summit was “highly productive” but gave no specifics, leaving many issues unresolved and further talks planned.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the negotiations, said “substantial progress” was made on the peace plan, though work remains on key issues, including NATO’s role.
He said,
“I don’t want to declare victory or finality here. There’s still some work to be done, but we are much further ahead today at this time than we were when we began this morning and where we were a week ago for certain.”
Some European leaders praised the amended peace plan, while others warned that many critical questions remain unresolved.
Moscow confirmed there are no plans for Russia-US talks this week, while noting it has been updated on progress made in Geneva.
A Kremlin spokesperson refused to comment on reported changes requested by European leaders, calling media-based negotiations inappropriate.
When and why was Russia expelled from the G8?
Russia was expelled from the G8 in March 2014 due to its illegal annexation of Crimea and support for separatist forces in Eastern Ukraine, which violated international law and the shared values of the G8 countries.
The G7consists of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the US, and Canada.
What are the crucial points of the controversial Ukraine peace plan?
- Ukraine’s sovereignty is confirmed and recognized internationally.
- Non-aggression agreement between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe; Russia cannot invade neighbors, and NATO will not expand.
- Security guarantees for Ukraine, including U.S. and NATO protection; violation triggers sanctions.
- Ukraine limits armed forces to 600,000; Ukraine will not join NATO; NATO will not station troops in Ukraine.
- Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk were recognized as de facto Russian; other conflict zones were frozen or demilitarized under the plan.