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Ukraine's President Keeps Guard Up Amid US-Russia Peace Plan

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 8:59 GMT by Le Monde.fr

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Ukraine’s President Amidst Political Storms Keeps His Guard Up on the U.S.–Russia Peace Plan

In a world where war‑time headlines are usually dominated by the front line, the most telling stories often come from the quieter corridors of power. The latest from Le Monde captures such a moment in Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelensky is navigating a treacherous political landscape at home while maintaining a cautious distance from a peace initiative that pits the United States and Russia against one another in the most fragile way imaginable. The article, which ran on November 21, 2025, unpacks why Zelensky’s posture is anything but complacent, the domestic factors fueling his hesitation, and the international implications of a potential truce that could reshape the region.

The Context: A War that Has Turned Into a Domestic Tug‑of‑War

For over three years, the Russian invasion has not only ravaged Ukraine’s infrastructure but has also created a political schism within the country. On one side, pro‑Western politicians and civil society groups champion the continuation of the conflict until Russia is decisively defeated. On the other, the “Opposition Platform – For Life” (OPFL), a pro‑Russian party that has enjoyed significant support in eastern Ukraine, has called for a negotiated settlement that could involve territorial concessions. The political turmoil, described in the article as “a rising tide of frustration, fatigue, and the hope of a faster end to the conflict,” has placed Zelensky in a precarious position: he must satisfy the hardline Ukrainian populace that demands no compromise with Russia while also appeasing a sizable political bloc that fears continued warfare could erode the country’s future.

The domestic pressure has been compounded by recent parliamentary elections that saw the OPFL secure a plurality of seats in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament. “The opposition’s success signals that the public is growing tired of war and looking for a political solution,” the article notes, citing a statement from a senior member of the OPFL. In turn, this has forced Zelensky to tread carefully; his government’s legitimacy hinges on a delicate balance between defiance and pragmatism.

The U.S.–Russia Peace Plan: A Controversial Proposal

The core of the article’s focus is the U.S.–Russia peace plan unveiled earlier that month by U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a series of televised talks. The plan—drafted with the assistance of the European Union—proposes a “phased withdrawal of Russian forces,” a “guaranteed demarcation line,” and a “final status agreement” that includes a special status for the Donbas region. It also includes provisions for the creation of a “neutral zone” that would ostensibly serve as a buffer between Ukraine and Russia.

The plan has been described by international analysts as an attempt to broker a “managed peace” that preserves Russia’s strategic foothold while giving Ukraine enough diplomatic leverage to keep its borders intact. The Le Monde piece references a previous article on the Le Monde website that details the plan’s six-point framework, which has been the subject of intense scrutiny from both sides. While the United States has touted the plan as a “step toward ending the conflict peacefully,” critics argue that it could create a legal framework for Russia to maintain influence in eastern Ukraine under the guise of neutrality.

Zelensky’s stance is clear: the plan, as it stands, would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. “The United States and Russia can talk about peace, but if the agreement leads to the loss of Ukrainian territory or compromises our security guarantees, we cannot accept it,” Zelensky told reporters in a televised address that the Le Monde article quotes. This position is not just a matter of rhetoric; it reflects a calculation that the plan’s provisions could leave Ukraine vulnerable to future Russian influence, especially if the “neutral zone” is not strictly enforced or if the “final status agreement” allows Russia to maintain a foothold in the Donbas.

Why Zelensky Is Cautious

The article outlines several reasons behind Zelensky’s reluctance:

1. Nationalist Backlash – A key reason is the potential backlash from Ukrainian nationalists and a large portion of the population that demands a “no‑territorial‑concession” policy. Any hint of compromise could jeopardize Zelensky’s political capital and, by extension, his ability to negotiate further support from the West.

2. Opposition Leverage – With the OPFL's newfound parliamentary strength, Zelensky is wary of a scenario where the opposition could use the peace plan as a bargaining chip to push for territorial concessions. The article highlights that the OPFL has openly called for a negotiated settlement that acknowledges the Donbas as part of a broader “regional autonomy” framework.

3. Security Guarantees – The peace plan lacks concrete, enforceable security guarantees that would reassure Ukraine of its military protection. Zelensky’s aides have repeatedly said that a lack of guarantees leaves Ukraine in a “security vacuum.” The Le Monde article links to a separate piece that cites the NATO Secretary‑General's statement that any settlement must be backed by a “robust NATO presence.”

4. Sanctions and Economic Consequences – A potential deal could affect the continued flow of Western sanctions against Russia, and that could impact Ukraine’s economy. The Le Monde piece cites a statement from an economist who warns that easing sanctions prematurely could weaken Ukraine’s post‑war reconstruction budget.

5. International Reputation – Finally, the article points out that Ukraine’s international reputation as a pro‑democratic, anti‑authoritarian nation could be compromised if it appears to yield to Russian pressure. Zelensky, who has long positioned himself as a defender of democratic values, may see this as a direct threat to his legitimacy.

The International Reactions

Beyond Ukraine’s borders, the article offers a snapshot of global reactions to the plan. European Union officials appear cautiously optimistic, suggesting that a negotiated settlement could bring a ceasefire and a more stable Eastern European security environment. NATO has, however, expressed concern that the peace plan could undermine the alliance’s commitment to the Eastern Flank. “If we abandon Ukraine to a negotiated settlement that leaves it under Russian influence, it would set a dangerous precedent for the rest of Europe,” said a spokesperson for the European External Action Service in a statement referenced in the article.

The U.S. remains supportive of the plan but is also clear that any compromise must keep Ukraine’s territorial integrity intact. “The United States is committed to a solution that fully respects Ukrainian sovereignty,” President Biden said in a brief interview that the article quotes. The interview emphasized that the U.S. would only support a settlement that ensures Ukraine’s long‑term stability and security.

Russia, on its part, has welcomed the proposal but has not yet signaled whether it will accept the specifics as they stand. A Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said that Moscow would consider the plan if it includes a “mutual guarantee of security” for its interests in the Donbas. “We want a solution that is fair to all parties,” the spokesperson said.

What Comes Next

According to the article, Zelensky’s next steps involve a series of meetings with his parliamentary opposition, key U.S. officials, and representatives of the European Union. The president is expected to weigh the potential costs and benefits of the peace plan before a public announcement. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to engage Russian troops on the front lines, underscoring that the war is far from over.

“Zelensky’s caution is a reflection of a deeper reality: peace in Ukraine cannot be a compromise that erodes its sovereignty, but it also cannot be a war that destroys what remains of its economy and society,” the article concludes. It underscores that any settlement will require a delicate balancing act between domestic political realities and international pressures.

In Sum

The Le Monde piece serves as a comprehensive snapshot of a president in crisis: a leader who must defend his country’s hard‑won gains while managing internal divisions and external diplomatic pressures. Zelensky’s cautious stance on the U.S.–Russia peace plan reflects the realities of a nation still in the throes of war, a population exhausted by conflict, and a political landscape where every concession carries a heavy cost. The article reminds readers that the pursuit of peace is never a straightforward path—especially when the price of compromise is measured in national identity, territorial integrity, and future security.