Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is open to listening to peace initiatives from countries like China, Brazil, and South Africa to integrate them into Ukraine’s peace formula. The Presidential Office chief, Andriy Yermak, stated in an interview that Ukraine will finalize its peace formula by November and will consider incorporating other initiatives. This marks a shift from Zelensky’s previous criticism of a proposal drafted by China and Brazil. The peace efforts are based on a 10-point peace formula that includes Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine, the release of captives, and the restoration of territorial integrity. Ukrainian officials aim to invite Russian representatives to a second global peace summit to present them with a peace plan developed by Ukraine and its international partners.
However, Russia has shown little interest in participating in the peace talks and has dismissed Zelensky’s peace formula. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he does not plan to make any concessions and that any peace agreement must favor Moscow. Yermak expressed the readiness of Ukraine to hold an international conference to negotiate with Russia when they feel strong and supported, including by countries from the Global South. The ongoing conflict has led to Russian forces advancing in Ukraine’s east, posing a significant challenge for the country. There are also fears of a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, which could impact U.S. support for Ukraine.
Yermak addressed concerns about the U.S. election results, stating that Kyiv is not afraid of the outcome. He emphasized that no American leader would want to facilitate the victory of an autocracy like Russia. Yermak mentioned meetings between Zelensky and both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as Trump during a visit to the U.S. The Ukrainian official expressed confidence that military support from the U.S. will continue regardless of the election outcome. The centralization of power under the Presidential Office and the dismissals of key figures like former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and ex-Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba were also discussed, with Yermak citing internal considerations for the decisions.
In a final pre-election push to boost support for Ukraine in the U.S., efforts have been made to garner backing from the diaspora community in places like Parma, Ohio, which has a significant Ukrainian population. The story of Manus McCaffery, a fighter in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion from Parma, has garnered attention and support. The challenges of maintaining support for Ukraine, particularly in the face of Russian aggression and potential changes in U.S. leadership, remain a priority for Ukrainian officials. Yermak’s leadership within the Presidential Office has been described as powerful, with criticism of the accumulation of power and centralization within the office. Despite these challenges, Ukraine remains committed to seeking peace and stability through diplomatic channels and international support.
