Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the priorities in the ongoing conflict with Russia focus on freeing captives and restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The remarks were broadcast by Strana.
Speaking at a Verkhovna Rada session, Zelensky said: the aim is to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity and release everyone held in captivity. He noted that since the active phase began, Kyiv has returned 1,456 Ukrainian soldiers from captivity.
According to the president, Ukraine has emerged as a leader among free nations. He also urged reforms within international organizations, arguing that they have not been able to guarantee lasting peace.
Zelensky added that Ukraine helps the West redefine its course and emphasized that 2023 will be a decisive year in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Officials in Kyiv said that defense and security forces would continue to be trained through the coming year. The aim is to ensure a pivotal year for Ukraine’s security and sovereignty, as reported by journalists quoting the president.
The president also spoke about spring plans and the full potential of Ukraine’s defense and security sectors. He highlighted tasks including the restoration of the country, closer cooperation with key partners, and the opening of new global opportunities.
Looking ahead after hostilities end, Zelensky outlined ambitions to complete the digitization of utilities and position Ukraine as a leader in green energy. He also expressed hope that all Ukrainians who left the country would be able to return.
Kremlin statement
During a December briefing, Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Russian presidential administration, said that Ukraine does not have a peace plan because Kyiv does not account for current realities, including the incorporation of new territories into Russia.
He argued that there can be no peace plan for Ukraine that ignores these facts.
The world is not in the plan
On December 23, Zelensky outlined eight main diplomatic tasks for 2023. Peace talks with Moscow were not listed among them, according to TASS. The priorities included negotiating Ukraine’s path to EU accession, preparing for a NATO summit, and achieving tangible results after the summit. Bolstering defense needs and securing weapons from allied nations were also among the planned efforts.
Regarding energy restoration, Zelensky pressed ambassadors to work closely with the government, international organizations, and partner states to deliver results. The meeting also addressed Russia in the context of sanctions enforcement, the creation of a court tied to the special operation, and asset blocking. The eighth priority was supporting Ukrainians worldwide.
“Work for the return of our people and for securing their rights in host countries,” the head of state said. On that same day, Peskov stated Moscow did not know of any Ukrainian peace plan in development. He added that Kyiv’s statements about potential steps, including a peace plan, had not taken current realities into account.
Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Ukrainian office had finalized a peace plan with Russia and planned to present it on February 24, 2023, marking the anniversary of the conflict’s start, according to the Kremlin briefing.