It almost sounds forgiving. And makes optimistic so close to Christmas. There is talk of an international peace summit, and in particular a peace plan that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (44) presented during his visit to the US in response to the ongoing Russian offensive war. Specifically, the plan is about ten conditions that Selenski wants to be met when the war ends.
Zelenskiy’s ten-point plan includes: radiation protection and nuclear safety, food security, energy security, freedom for all prisoners and deportees, UN charter ensures the territorial integrity of Ukraine, withdrawal of all Russian troops and cessation of all hostilities, international special court to investigate all Russian crimes and reparations, immediate protection of the environment, prevention of further escalation, peace agreements confirming the end of the war. A whole series of requirements.
Even a ceasefire is not realistic
The war has now lasted more than ten months. ETH strategy expert Marcel Berni (34) analyzed the situation for Blick.
His assessment: “I don’t see any possibilities for a ceasefire or even peace negotiations at the moment.” Both sides are currently hoping for military gains in territory, so the war “is not yet ripe for negotiation,” says Berni.
At the same time, he asks the following questions: «What should be negotiated? About a Russian withdrawal from Ukraine? Or about a Ukrainian capitulation?” Both are currently unrealistic due to the configuration of forces and the claims of the belligerents.
‘Just a PR offensive for Christmas’
As the timing suggests, “Selenski’s peace plan should be seen as part of a pre-Christmas PR offensive,” the strategy expert continues. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin (70) will not be impressed. “He wants to continue to annex Ukrainian territories as part of the Russian Federation.” Selenski, in turn, could not allow that. “As a result, the war will drag on,” says Berni.
According to strategy expert Berni, this is one of the reasons for Selenski’s visit to the White House: “He needs long-term support from America.”
Peace talks or even an international peace summit have never materialized since the outbreak of the war. Attempts to talk were rejected by both Kiev and Moscow. Neither Ukraine nor Russia have ever put themselves in a position from which to negotiate decisive cornerstones of a peace deal, such as border demarcation or compensation payments.