Written by Samuel Thompson.
On Friday, Vladimir Putin extended a peace proposal to Ukraine, aiming to permanently end the ongoing conflict and commence negotiations. This offer was swiftly rebuffed by NATO, with NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg issuing a rejection even before Ukrainian President Zelensky had a chance to respond.
Zelensky, following NATO’s lead, also dismissed the peace deal, labeling it an “ultimatum message.” Addressing senior officials at a meeting with the Russian Foreign Ministry, Putin outlined that for peace talks to proceed, Kyiv would need to relinquish all territory of four regions that opted to join Russia and pledge never to join NATO.
Speaking to Sky TG24 while attending the G7 meeting in southern Italy, Zelensky stated, “These messages are ultimatum messages, no different from previous ultimatums. He demands we surrender part of our occupied territories and even the unoccupied ones. He won’t stop at just these regions of our country.”
Kremlin’s Response to Zelensky’s Rejection
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov quickly dismissed Zelensky’s characterization of Putin’s offer as an ultimatum, calling it “a wrong understanding, definitely.” Peskov described the proposal as “comprehensive, very deep, and constructive.” He elaborated that if the terms appeared stricter than those proposed in the spring of 2022, it was because “a different situation has arisen,” with four regions choosing to become part of Russia.
Residents of Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions, as well as the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, overwhelmingly voted in September 2022 to leave Ukraine and join the Russian Federation. Kyiv and its Western allies have condemned the vote as “rigged” and a “sham,” similar to their refusal to recognize Crimea’s return to Russia in 2014.
Peskov reminded Izvestia that Ukraine received very generous peace terms in March 2022, but rejected them “on orders from the British.” Ukrainian media and officials confirmed that then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised them against accepting any deal with Russia.
NATO’s Influence and the Continuing Conflict
The swift rejection of Putin’s proposal by NATO highlights the alliance’s influence over Ukraine’s decision-making. NATO’s stance indicates a continued commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, regardless of the potential for diplomatic resolutions. This unwavering support from NATO underscores the geopolitical complexities that extend beyond the immediate conflict.
Zelensky’s refusal of the peace offer reflects a broader strategy of resisting Russian demands and maintaining territorial integrity. The insistence on not ceding any part of Ukraine, even those regions now under Russian control, signifies a firm stand against what is perceived as Russian expansionism.
The tension between NATO’s support for Ukraine and Russia’s demands for territorial concessions points to a prolonged standoff. The lack of compromise from either side suggests that the conflict will continue, with significant implications for international stability and security.
Our Take
The outright rejection of Putin’s peace proposal by both NATO and President Zelensky is concerning. It highlights the deep-seated animosities and the geopolitical chess game at play. NATO’s immediate dismissal indicates a firm stance against negotiating with Russia under current terms, while Zelensky’s refusal underscores Ukraine’s determination to retain its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This impasse is bad for the public as it prolongs the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. The ongoing conflict destabilizes the region and threatens global security. A resolution seems distant as long as ultimatums and unyielding demands dominate the narrative.
