Plebiscite will settle territorial questions, Zelenskyy says
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne)
Any decisions on territorial concessions envisaged by the U.S.-backed peace plan must be made by the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Dec. 11.
The president was speaking at a press briefing after another round of high-stakes negotiations with the United States and European partners.
“I believe the people of Ukraine should answer this question,” Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne quoted Zelenskyy.
“Whether through elections or through a referendum, there must be a clear position from the people of Ukraine.”
Asked about what the final outline of a framework peace deal might look like, he suggested that much depends on developments on the front lines and the capabilities of Ukrainian forces.
“We’ll see how things unfold; right now, I think a lot depends on our army—on how our soldiers can hold, where they can destroy the invader. That affects the entire diplomatic process,” said Zelenskyy.
On Dec. 9, Axios reported that Zelenskyy faces pressure from
the United States to agree to territorial concessions and other terms as part
of the peace plan. Negotiations have converged on two main points: Russia’s
demand that Ukraine cede all of Donbas Oblast, including parts not currently
under Russian control, and Ukraine’s request for reliable U.S. security
guarantees to deter future Russian aggression.
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