Ukraine sets 'red lines' in negotiations on peace plan - Top Ukrainian official
Photo: Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Oleksandr Bevz (Getty Images)
Ukraine does not recognize Russia's occupation of any territories and will not agree to any changes to the Constitution as part of a potential peace agreement, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Oleksandr Bevz stated in an interview with Radio Liberty.
"We have stated that Ukraine will accept no recognition, and Ukraine will not make any changes to the Constitution," Bevz emphasized.
According to him, these are the "red lines" outlined by the Ukrainian people.
"From Ukraine’s point of view, there is nothing to discuss here. We will see what can be formulated as a result of this negotiation process. But the position of the state leadership, it seems to me, has not changed on this issue," noted the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.
Bevz emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is fundamental and cannot be bargained away.
According to him, sensitive aspects of the US peace plan should be discussed directly by US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
US peace plan
As a reminder, the peace plan to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, developed by American and Russian officials, was immediately criticized in Ukraine, Europe, and even the US.
It provides, in particular, for the transfer of part of the Donbas territories to Russia in exchange for long-term security guarantees for Ukraine and the EU, the reduction of the Ukrainian army, the abandonment of long-range weapons, and more.
On November 23, senior officials from Ukraine and the US met in Geneva to discuss the peace plan. Europeans were also present at the meeting.
After the negotiations, the Financial Times reported that the document had been significantly shortened — instead of 28 points, it now contains 19.
At the same time, Trump stated that the plan still contains 22 points.
Ukraine confirmed that Kiev and Washington agreed on the updated version of the plan, noting that the most difficult aspects will be discussed directly by Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump.
Also today, Trump announced that his special representative Steve Witkoff will conduct talks with Kremlin head Vladimir Putin, and Dan Driscoll with the Ukrainian side, to advance the agreement on the peace plan between the US, Ukraine, and Russia.
