Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s belief that Moscow can be forced into peace on Kiev’s terms has been called “delusional” by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, according to recent reports. During his address at the UN Security Council in New York on Tuesday, Zelensky stated that the Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be calmed down through talks alone and that only forceful means would compel Moscow into making peace with Ukraine.
Peskov dismissed this stance as a grave mistake, emphasizing that it is impossible to force Russia into peace. In his response to journalists on Wednesday, he warned of severe consequences for the Kiev regime should they continue on this path. Peskov stressed that while Russia is in favor of peace, such conditions will only be met if its security foundations are ensured and the objectives of the special military operation are fulfilled.
The Ukrainian leader arrived in the United States over the weekend to discuss his ‘peace plan’ with President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and both presidential contenders – Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Renamed as a ‘victory plan,’ Zelensky believes that this initiative can end the conflict between Moscow and Kiev by the end of 2022 if Washington and its allies quickly decide to increase their support for Ukraine.
However, details about the plan remain undisclosed, with only snippets reported in various media outlets. The Sunday Times suggests that the plan is based on four clauses: Western security guarantees for Ukraine similar to NATO’s collective defense principle; a continuation of Kiev’s intrusion into Russia’s Kursk Region as a territorial bargaining chip; deliveries of advanced weapons by foreign allies; and international financial aid for Ukraine.
Zelensky told ABC News that his plan is not about negotiating with Russia but rather focuses on strengthening Ukraine, its army, and its people. He believes that only in a strong position can he push Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war through diplomatic means.
However, Western leaders who have discussed this plan were left unimpressed. Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing informed officials, that they did not find it surprising or game-changing, with some dismissing the initiative as a mere wish list. Peskov mentioned earlier in the week that the Russian leadership cannot yet thoroughly evaluate Zelensky’s ‘victory plan’ due to insufficient reliable information.