WSJ: Zelenskyy crafts conditional response to Trump peace plan “Yes, but…”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with the backing of European allies, has developed a strategy to respond to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed “peace plan,” aiming to make it acceptable to Kyiv, The Wall Street Journal reports.

According to the newspaper, Zelenskyy’s approach follows a “yes, but…” formula — agreeing to certain elements of the proposal while insisting on revisions to its most controversial provisions and clearer mechanisms for their implementation.

“We do not betray our country, do not surrender our independence, which is important, but we are constructive,” Zelenskyy told reporters on December 11.

Zelenskyy has indicated that Ukraine could hold elections, but only after a ceasefire is in place. He also stated that Russia could retain involvement at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, provided the situation is monitored by Ukraine and the United States.

“It is not a given that we as Ukraine will accept this, but when you speak to us about compromise, then the compromise you propose must be a fair one,” Zelenskyy told reporters on Thursday.

In addition, Zelenskyy has acknowledged the possibility of limiting the size of Ukraine’s armed forces, but only within their current strength.

The WSJ notes that this strategy allows Zelenskyy to support Trump’s vision of peace without undermining his political standing at home.

The newspaper also reports that the U.S.-proposed agreement envisions turning the Ukrainian-controlled part of the Donetsk region into a “free economic zone” or a “demilitarised zone,” from which Ukrainian troops would withdraw, while Russian forces would be barred. Rather than rejecting the idea outright, Zelenskyy has requested further clarification.

According to the WSJ, the lack of clarity in U.S. proposals regarding the demilitarisation of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and the creation of a consortium for its joint management has likewise given the Ukrainian leader room to revisit the terms of potential agreements.

By Khagan Isayev