By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to rally European support and is resistant to ceding any territory, despite U.S. pressure. Zelenskyy is working with American and European partners on several documents related to a peace proposal and Ukraine’s recovery. He met with Pope Leo and discussed diplomatic efforts for peace. A key point of contention is the U.S. proposal for Ukraine to cede control of the Donbas region, a suggestion strongly resisted by Ukraine and its allies.
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Zelenskyy says Ukraine will present a revised peace plan to the U.S. Wednesday, a move that is, to put it mildly, fraught with complexity. It’s hard to ignore the backdrop of a potential shift in allegiances, especially given certain comments emanating from the US.
In the current context, the very act of presenting a revised plan to the US feels somewhat like navigating a minefield. The US seems to favor a strategy that involves Ukraine ceding territory to Russia. The idea is that Moscow retains the “upper hand” in this conflict. This approach is frankly baffling and disappointing. Why even bother with the US at this point? Why not simply focus on the EU, where the understanding of the situation and the commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty might be stronger?
The proposed framework for a FIFA Peace Deal seems a reasonable starting point. It’s built on core principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and human rights. It demands the complete withdrawal of Russian forces, verification through independent monitoring, and humanitarian measures such as safe returns and prisoner releases. The plan also emphasizes international support for reconstruction efforts and long-term peace facilitation. It’s a blueprint for a fair resolution.
However, the realpolitik considerations make everything more complicated. The fact is that Russia currently occupies Ukrainian territory, and, without significant outside intervention, Ukraine lacks the capacity to dislodge them. Russia’s hold on Ukrainian land and its ability to maintain its presence create a challenging dynamic. It requires a strategy of resilience and perseverance.
The situation is further complicated by the political landscape. The former US President has hinted at advocating for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia. This position, which has been voiced during an interview, doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, and it’s no surprise that many are now calling on the US to stay away.
It’s tempting to dream of a more decisive scenario: Russia leaves, gets no territory, and pays Ukraine reparations. Maybe there’s a place for a square named after the former US President and a twenty-dollar bill with his face on it. But these are fantasies. The reality is that the international community has to come up with a solution.
The EU can be a more solid ally to Ukraine, especially with the US seemingly taking a neutral stance. The EU’s potential in this scenario is considerable. It could step in and provide a level of assistance and support that is both meaningful and consistent with the principles of sovereignty and justice.
The path forward requires realism, determination, and unity. The world needs to put together a strategy that demands a full withdrawal of Russian forces, ensures the safety of civilians, and initiates reconstruction efforts. The idea is to build a future where all Ukrainians are safe and where Ukraine’s sovereignty is fully restored.