Ukraine’s Path to Peace Talks: Zelensky’s Vision and the Roadmap Ahead
In a recent interview with CBS News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined a framework for initiating peace talks with Russia. He asserted that meaningful dialogue could begin only after Ukraine restores its borders to what existed in 1991, a moment many authorities view as a foundational reference point for any durable settlement. The president suggested that Moscow’s willingness to engage would hinge on a recalibrated security and diplomatic dynamic that acknowledges Ukraine’s territorial integrity as non-negotiable.
Zelensky indicated that achieving a pre-1991 border alignment would require a combination of sustained military effort, firm political resolve, and an international stance that reinforces economic pressure on Russia. He described a scenario in which a comprehensive global response—encompassing trade measures and coordinated support from partners—helps deter aggression and create a conducive climate for talks. The emphasis was on ensuring that any negotiated outcome is backed by broad international consensus and practical enforcement mechanisms.
In these remarks, the Ukrainian leader underscored that victory in this conflict is multi-dimensional. He spoke of strengthening Ukraine on the battlefield, supporting its economy, and securing political backing that can translate into concrete security guarantees. The framing suggests that Kyiv seeks a balanced approach where military gains, economic resilience, and diplomatic backing together shape the path to reconciliation and lasting peace.
Earlier, Zelensky introduced a so-called peace formula at the G20 summit, a ten-point plan designed to address critical issues such as restoring Ukraine’s borders to their 1991 configuration, exchanging detainees on a comprehensive basis, and safeguarding nuclear, food, and energy security. The formula envisions a holistic settlement that connects territorial legality with humanitarian provisions and global stability. The emphasis on reciprocal compliance and universal accountability remains central to this proposal .
Reports from February indicated that Kyiv planned to present a formal document outlining the peace formula at an upcoming conference in Switzerland, signaling a continued effort to translate principles into a concrete negotiation framework. The dialogue initiative reflects Kyiv’s preference for a well-defined process that can bridge differences through sustained diplomacy and international involvement .
Meanwhile, Russian diplomacy has shown support for Beijing’s approach to Ukraine, with officials in Moscow indicating a willingness to consider a coordinated international plan. The evolving set of proposals from various capitals highlights the complexity of achieving a durable settlement, where security assurances, political sovereignty, and economic stability must align to create the conditions necessary for peace talks to proceed in earnest.
Analysts note that any prospective negotiations would require careful sequencing: establishing a reliable ceasefire, ensuring humanitarian access, and building trust between Kyiv and Moscow through verifiable mechanisms. A successful diplomatic process would likely depend on persistent international engagement, verifiable steps on the ground, and a clear roadmap that both sides can accept. The international community continues to monitor developments with an eye toward a sustainable peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty while addressing legitimate security concerns for all parties involved.