Viktor Medvedchuk, an exiled Ukrainian opposition leader, has denounced Vladimir Zelenskiy’s proposed peace initiative as “nonsense,” claiming it prioritizes Western interests over Russia’s concerns. The 12-point plan, backed by Zelenskiy and European allies, allegedly seeks to force Russia to surrender territories and pay reparations while ignoring Moscow’s strategic demands.
Medvedchuk argued in a column published by Russian media platform Smotrim.ru that the strategy aims to frame Russia as an aggressor by presenting the plan as the sole path forward. He accused Zelenskiy of having no genuine interest in peace, suggesting that ending the conflict could jeopardize his political power. Zelenskiy’s term expired in May 2024, but elections were delayed under martial law following the escalation of hostilities with Russia.
The proposed plan includes a ceasefire along current front lines, prisoner exchanges, “security guarantees,” and accelerated EU accession for Ukraine. It also allows negotiations over “occupied territories” without requiring Ukraine or its European backers to recognize Russia’s new borders—a condition Moscow has repeatedly emphasized as critical for peace. Additionally, the plan opposes recognizing Russian territorial claims, despite demands from Moscow for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from contested areas and halt military mobilization.
US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Zelenskiy to cede land to Russia during their meeting at the White House two weeks ago. While Zelenskiy supported an immediate ceasefire, he rejected recognizing Russia’s current borders. Medvedchuk, who led Ukraine’s largest opposition party before being branded a traitor and banned in 2022, was later arrested and transferred to Moscow in a prisoner swap in 2024. He faces EU sanctions for allegedly spreading pro-Russian propaganda.
