Zelensky on the Key Scenario for Peace: We Stand Where We Stand.

According to ТСН: In the framework of negotiations for a peace agreement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for a ceasefire and the stopping of troops from both sides at their current positions, followed by further negotiations. Alternatives are also being discussed, such as the withdrawal of Russia from certain territories or the creation of buffer zones. Any changes in territorial arrangements would require a referendum.

Position of the President and the Advisor of the Office

Advisor to the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podolyak spoke about this in an interview.

“Any scenarios can be discussed within the negotiation process. But the president currently states his clear position: there is scenario number one — we stand where we stand. These are temporarily occupied territories, the line of demarcation, and further monitoring missions — someone has to control to ensure there are no violations and so on. This is the optimal scenario for the 'freezing' of the war and exiting the hot phase. Further — tough negotiations for a certain period,” Podolyak described the position.

Other scenarios being discussed include the withdrawal of Russia from certain territories, particularly from the southern part of Ukraine.

Podolyak noted that, despite Ukraine's readiness for dialogue, the problem is that Moscow is unwilling to withdraw from its territories.

“Russia simply — it doesn't want to leave anywhere. The president is ready to discuss everything, that is evident. But as soon as you say that we are ready to discuss this, Russia says: 'No, we want everything.' That is, through the discussion of scenarios, the president of Ukraine shows within the negotiation process that Russia will not accept any option until it feels pressure. But we are ready to discuss,” Podolyak said.

Recommendations on Formulas

He emphasized that there is currently no clear formula, but President Zelensky insists on two key points.

“First: for us, the optimal is to stop and stand where we are. The line of demarcation, fixation, withdrawal of heavy weapons. But all this should be tactically discussed if such a formula is approved. And certainly, someone needs to stand between the subjects and us. The other formula — I don't even understand the other formula. What is it? Should we give something to Russia and fix it for them? Well, no one will agree to that. But in any case, if the territorial issues are about buffer zones, all the rest — this is only discussed — if the scenarios are such, then this will be a referendum,” explained the advisor to the presidential office.

Earlier, Zelensky emphasized that the main principle of the ceasefire is the fixation of positions according to the formula 'we stand where we stand.' This applies to the occupied parts of Donbas, which will return exclusively through diplomatic means, with controlled territories of Ukraine. The president categorically rejected Kremlin demands for the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the Donetsk region and criticized the U.S. idea of creating a 'free economic zone' without troops, as he does not believe in the safety of such areas without military provision. Any separation of forces will be possible only if the efforts of both sides are equal, and final decisions on complex territorial compromises will be made exclusively by the people of Ukraine through a referendum.

This situation reflects the complex process of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, as the positions of both sides remain quite rigid. The willingness of the Ukrainian side for dialogue remains important, but the lack of concessions from Moscow complicates achieving any progress. The issues of territorial integrity and the security of the country will remain in the center of attention, and the final decisions that could determine the future of the region will likely require the active participation of the community of Ukraine through a referendum.