Zelensky is trying to rewrite Trump’s peace plan rather than reject it.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with the support of his European allies, has developed a strategy to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan in order to make it acceptable for Ukraine without rejecting it in a way that would alienate the American leader. This strategy essentially boils down to a simple "yes, but..." and involves pressuring partners on specific issues, particularly regarding the mechanisms for implementing the most controversial points, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Zelensky is ready to hold elections, but this will require a ceasefire. He states that Russia may retain its involvement in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which it currently occupies, but Ukraine and the U.S. must control the situation. He acknowledges that the size of the Ukrainian army may be limited, but within current levels.
"This approach has allowed Zelensky to support Trump’s vision for peace without undermining his political authority at home," the publication notes.
The Territorial Question
The proposed U.S. agreement envisions turning the remaining territory of the Donetsk region into a "free economic zone" or a "demilitarized zone," from which Ukraine would withdraw its troops, while Russian military access would be prohibited.
Instead of completely ruling out this option, Zelensky has demanded more detailed information. For instance, if Ukraine withdraws its troops, what would prevent Russian forces from advancing? Or what would stop Russia from infiltrating the area disguised as civilians to take control?
"It cannot be guaranteed that we, as Ukraine, will accept this, but when you talk to us about compromise, the compromise you propose must be fair," Zelensky stated.
Zelensky has used such negotiation tactics before. For example, when the Trump administration insisted on reaching an agreement for U.S. access to Ukraine's mineral resources, Kyiv secured better terms by refusing to sign it immediately.
The Question of Elections and the Zaporizhzhia NPP
Zelensky, who was offered to hold elections in the peace plan, has chosen a pragmatic path. This week, he stated that he is ready to conduct voting, but only if parliament presents a legitimate path, and partners—primarily the U.S.—ensure a ceasefire during the elections.
The lack of clarity in the proposal regarding how the U.S. plans to demilitarize the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and create a consortium for joint management of the facility has also given Zelensky the opportunity to reconsider the terms.
Ukraine opposes transferring the Zaporizhzhia NPP under Russian control, Zelensky said. However, if the deal involves the U.S. in management, details of joint operations will need to be worked out.
Ukrainian political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko stated that Zelensky's method of pressuring partners on specific issues, including the mechanisms for implementing the most controversial points, has allowed him to continue constructive negotiations without conceding on key issues.
"We just need to psychologically withstand this pressure, take a little pause, and say that we are ready for discussion," Fesenko said. "And then let’s sit down and discuss each specific point."
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