Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with a South Korean daily, explaining where Kyiv stands on finding a path to peace amid the conflict. He emphasized that Ukraine values every international contribution but has its own peace framework that it considers the primary guide for negotiations. The president stated clearly that if China urges Russia to withdraw its troops and supports a framework aligned with Kyiv’s interests, China’s involvement could bolster Ukraine’s position and chances for a sustainable settlement, as reported by Chosun Ilbo. In his view, China’s influence would matter most if it translates into concrete actions that compel Russia to respect Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, rather than simply advocating for dialogue without verified commitments.
When discussing China’s peace plan, Zelensky acknowledged the efforts of other nations but underscored that Kyiv will not abandon its own formula for peace. He noted that Beijing’s proposal contains elements that could help deescalate tensions, yet Kyiv continues to prioritize its own strategy, which envisions a comprehensive halt to hostilities, security guarantees for Ukraine, and a framework that seeks accountability for aggression. Zelensky indicated that China’s active and verifiable involvement is welcome, provided it aligns with Ukraine’s red lines and does not compromise the country’s territorial legitimacy. The remarks reflect a careful balance: openness to international consultation while maintaining sovereignty and a clear endgame. The overview from Chosun Ilbo highlights Kyiv’s insistence on a peace process that preserves Ukrainian sovereignty and rejects any solution that would grant Russia a veto over Kyiv’s security choices.
Earlier in the year, Chinese authorities introduced a twelve-point peace plan that called for an immediate resumption of dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, a sustained ceasefire, and measures to prevent the broader spread of conflict. Kyiv’s response, as reported, centers on the belief that any durable peace must involve concrete, enforceable steps and verifiable commitments. Ukrainian leadership has consistently signaled readiness to engage in talks, provided the talks are anchored in a clear cessation of hostilities and respect for Ukraine’s borders. Kyiv argues that without a freeze on active fighting and without concessions that would undermine Ukraine’s security architecture, negotiations cannot lead to a lasting resolution. The discussion around China’s plan thus centers on whether the proposal can be translated into real pressure on Russia to withdraw and to halt escalatory behavior, according to the coverage from Chosun Ilbo.
In related commentary, former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba articulated a cautionary stance: Kyiv is prepared to discuss peace initiatives when the conflict effectively reaches a pause and negotiations do not require Kyiv to make regional concessions that could compromise its strategic interests. The emphasis remains that any peace process must be anchored in a comprehensive end to aggression, verification mechanisms, and security guarantees for Ukraine. Throughout these exchanges, Kyiv continues to position itself as a party seeking a durable settlement that preserves Ukrainian sovereignty and the integrity of its territorial borders, with foreign partners playing a supportive but non-dominant role in shaping the path to peace, as noted by Chosun Ilbo.