Ukraine Signals Readiness for Peace Talks Centered on Zelensky Peace Formula

The head of Ukraine’s presidential administration, Andriy Yermak, stated that Kyiv stands ready to engage in peace talks with Moscow strictly on the basis of the peace formula advocated by President Volodymyr Zelensky. He noted that discussions would occur with responsible partners who honor Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that the Ukrainian plan would serve as the reference point for any dialogue. The substance of the Zelensky peace formula—released during Zelensky’s address at the G20 summit in November 2022—envisions a ten-point framework. It highlights the restoration of Ukraine’s borders as they stood in 1991, the exchange of detainees on a prisoner-for-prisoner basis, and guarantees for nuclear, food, and energy security to ensure stability for the country and its people. The emphasis is on lawful statehood, humanitarian accountability, and the secure, uninterrupted flow of essential resources during and after any settlement. In Kyiv’s view, peace talks should reflect those core commitments, with international mediators and guarantors aligned with the principles of full sovereignty and long-term security for Ukraine. The dialogue, if it proceeds, would be framed around these pillars and would require tangible progress on implementation and verification. This stance is grounded in Kyiv’s assessment that durable peace must rest on clear reciprocity and verifiable outcomes, not merely on ceasefires or temporary truces that fail to address underlying concerns. The formulation underscores a comprehensive approach to ending the conflict that includes political, security, and humanitarian dimensions coordinated with global partners and allied states. As Ukraine awaits a pathway to negotiation, the international community is watching closely to see whether Russia accepts the framework as a baseline for any future engagement, with transparency and accountability at the forefront of discussions. Throughout this process, Kyiv continues to advocate for a return to internationally recognized borders, prisoner swaps on equal terms, and guarantees that prevent a relapse into economic or energy instability that could threaten regional stability. Kyiv’s leadership remains committed to pursuing negotiations with states that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, while preparing the public for a potentially protracted path toward a sustainable peace that upholds democratic norms and the rule of law. The public record, as observed by observers and analysts, suggests that any progress in the talks would hinge on verifiable steps and on the unwavering support of international partners who share a commitment to a free and secure Europe.