Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly rejected a peace plan proposed by the United States, citing its implications for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Central to his concerns is the plan’s potential legal recognition of territories captured by Russia during its ongoing invasion that began in 2022. Zelensky emphasized that conceding to such terms would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and set a dangerous precedent for international law.
In a statement on March 4, 2024, Zelensky described the recognition of Russian-occupied territories as a critical issue, stating, “Putin wants legal recognition of what he has stolen, to break the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty. That’s the main problem.” He warned of the broader implications, suggesting that allowing such recognition could embolden President Vladimir Putin to pursue similar aggressive actions globally.
The U.S. and Ukraine are currently engaged in discussions to refine the peace proposal. Zelensky noted that Ukrainian negotiators are working closely with American and European partners to address sensitive aspects of the plan, including the use of frozen Russian assets to aid in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. “We are keeping some very sensitive points in play,” he remarked, highlighting the ongoing collaboration with U.S. officials.
U.S. officials, including Marco Rubio, have also been involved in the discussions. Rubio confirmed that extensive engagements have taken place over the past several days with various stakeholders in Ukraine, encompassing political and military leaders. “This is a very delicate moment, and it’s important,” he said, indicating that not all issues have been resolved and some may require higher-level decisions.
The peace plan has reportedly been condensed from 28 points to 19, with ongoing negotiations in Geneva aimed at ensuring Ukraine’s full agreement before the proposal is presented to Russia. The discussions have yet to involve Russian officials directly, as the aim is to solidify Ukrainian positions first.
Zelensky also expressed frustration with European nations that continue economic ties with Russia, arguing that such actions undermine efforts to leverage economic pressure on Moscow. He pointed out that the invasion might have been avoided under stronger leadership from both the U.S. and Ukraine.
While the peace talks proceed without direct Russian involvement, the Kremlin has indicated an openness to discussions. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian government, noted that no meetings between U.S. and Russian officials have been scheduled for the upcoming week, but suggested a willingness to continue dialogue.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on achieving a viable resolution that respects Ukraine’s territorial rights while addressing the concerns of all parties involved. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future course of these negotiations and the broader implications for regional stability.
