Zelenskyy Commits to US Plan for Ending Ukraine Conflict

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to collaborate with the United States on a plan aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. Following discussions with US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll in Kyiv on March 14, 2024, Zelenskyy indicated that he anticipates further dialogues with former President Donald Trump in the coming days regarding the proposed strategy.

The US-backed plan has faced resistance from various European countries, which have raised concerns that it may compel Ukraine to surrender more territory and partially disarm. These conditions are viewed by Ukraine’s allies as potentially detrimental, undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. Despite the contentious nature of the plan, Zelenskyy’s office confirmed that he has received a draft and is prepared to engage in constructive discussions with US officials.

Zelenskyy’s Commitment to Collaboration

In a statement on Telegram, Zelenskyy emphasized that both Ukrainian and American teams would collaborate on the key components of the plan. He remarked, “Our teams – Ukraine and the USA – will work on the points of the plan to end the war. We are ready for constructive, honest and prompt work.” Although the details of the 28-point plan remain unpublished, the Ukrainian leader has reportedly highlighted essential principles that resonate with his constituents.

The upcoming discussions with Trump are particularly significant, especially after a tumultuous meeting between the two leaders in March, which was marked by tension. However, a more productive conversation took place during Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House earlier this summer. According to White House officials, senior members of the Trump administration have been actively engaging with their Ukrainian counterparts to refine the plan.

Challenges Amidst Ongoing Conflict

The timing of this renewed US diplomatic initiative is complicated by Ukraine’s challenging military situation. Ukrainian forces are currently experiencing setbacks on the battlefield, while the government faces scrutiny following a corruption scandal that led to the dismissal of two cabinet ministers earlier in the week.

In a separate update, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, downplayed the significance of the US initiative, stating, “Consultations are not currently under way. There are contacts, of course, but there is no process that could be called consultations.” He reiterated that any peace agreement must address what Moscow refers to as the “root causes of the conflict,” a term long associated with Russia’s demands.

As the conflict enters its fourth winter, Russian forces occupy nearly one-fifth of Ukraine and are reportedly making incremental advances while targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Recent reports indicate that Russian troops have taken control of the city of Kupiansk, a strategic location in the ongoing conflict.

European Responses and the Path Ahead

During a meeting in Brussels, European Union foreign ministers did not provide extensive commentary on the US plan but signaled their reluctance to accept any demands that would require Ukraine to make severe concessions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized the need for a peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty. He stated, “Ukrainians want peace—a just peace that respects everyone’s sovereignty, a durable peace that can’t be called into question by future aggression. But peace cannot be a capitulation.”

In parallel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted earlier on social media that Washington would continue to explore potential solutions for ending the conflict, stating, “Achieving a durable peace will require both sides to agree to difficult but necessary concessions.”

As discussions progress, the international community remains watchful of developments that could shape the future of Ukraine and its ongoing struggle for sovereignty and stability.