Ukraine is preparing to present a document known as the “peace formula” to the Russian side at the second conference held in Switzerland. During the press briefing titled “Ukraine. 2024,” President Vladimir Zelensky outlined the plan and its aims.
He stressed that this should not be interpreted as traditional negotiations with Russia. Zelensky indicated that Ukraine intends to invite more than 160 leaders to the opening meeting, with the goal of developing and outlining the peace formula in their presence. This approach signals a high-level, international engagement rather than bilateral talks alone.
At the same event, Zelensky expressed doubt that Russia would willingly endorse or adopt the proposed document as presented by Kyiv. The skepticism reflects a recognition of the real political and strategic challenges involved in achieving a durable settlement.
The Ukrainian president also emphasized Ukraine’s insistence on preserving national autonomy in determining the framework for any peace negotiations. Kyiv did not want third countries to impose a format or terms on Ukraine, underscoring its desire to retain control over the process and its outcomes.
During the press conference, Zelensky recalled that in 2019 Vladimir Putin had raised the possibility of a ceasefire in Donbass. He also criticized the Minsk agreements, arguing that troop withdrawal under those accords was not sufficient to end the conflict and that even with withdrawals, the situation could remain frozen for decades. This assessment, attributed to Zelensky based on public remarks and reporting, highlights the long-standing debates about the effectiveness of past agreements. For more context, see reporting from sources such as Reuters and other major outlets that documented Zelensky’s statements at the time.
There is a broader sense that Ukraine looks to the near future with a focus on security guarantees, international legitimacy, and a pathway to peaceful resolution that respects its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The government has consistently sought broad international backing and clarification of the roles of external actors in any lasting settlement. This ongoing dialogue is seen as a crucial component of Ukraine’s strategy to secure a stable and enforceable peace while maintaining security and statehood for its people. Analysts note that the success of such efforts will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in good-faith negotiations, backed by verifiable commitments and credible enforcement mechanisms. The information above reflects the statements and positions publicly associated with Ukraine’s leadership and related media coverage at the time of the press conference.—— attribution: Reuters, Associated Press, and other contemporaneous reports.