Ukraine is entering a new phase of political turbulence and diplomatic activity. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement about sending an updated peace plan to the United States, along with his public readiness to hold elections in the coming months, has become the main political event of the week. These signals highlight several key vectors at once: Kyiv’s desire to reboot its dialogue with Western partners, the need to demonstrate the manageability of its domestic political system, and the intention to maintain its position in upcoming negotiations on the status of occupied territories.

The Ukrainian president stated that a “clarified and updated” version of peace proposals will soon be provided to the United States. While the details are not officially disclosed, it is already clear that Kyiv seeks to adapt its positions to the current international environment while retaining control over the substance of a future agreement.

In effect, this represents a rethinking of previous diplomatic frameworks. Prolonged hostilities, shifts in the balance of power, and increasing U.S. interest in a structured peace process are forcing Ukraine to respond more flexibly. At the same time, judging by Zelensky’s rhetoric, Kyiv is not abandoning its core principles – territorial integrity, security, and international guarantees.

Equally important was another message from Zelensky: Ukraine is ready to hold national elections within 60–90 days. But on one condition – the Western partners must assume responsibility for ensuring the security of the electoral process.

This statement is clearly addressed to both external and internal audiences. Kyiv is signaling to the West that it is ready to restore democratic procedures and confirm institutional resilience even during wartime. This strengthens Ukraine’s argument in discussions on financial and military support. On the other hand, Zelensky is demonstrating to the Ukrainian people and the opposition openness and readiness for political competition, while simultaneously shifting the responsibility for voters’ physical safety to the allies. This increases pressure on partners, turning the election issue into an international rather than purely domestic one. Additionally, Ukraine’s readiness for elections sends Russia a message that the Ukrainian state remains functional and does not collapse under the pressure of war – an important psychological and symbolic factor.

Zelensky’s position on the territories also deserves attention. He emphasizes that Ukraine does not intend to give up its land, and that the status of Donbas remains a subject of future negotiations.

This formulation is simultaneously firm (Kyiv does not recognize territorial concessions) and flexible (Zelensky allows discussion of status formulas, governance mechanisms, international presence, or transitional periods). Donbas – not Crimea – is once again moving to the center of the diplomatic discussion. This is explained both by the current front-line situation and by Ukraine’s attempt to construct a more realistic negotiation track in which achieving a partial result could establish a basis for a comprehensive agreement.

The convergence of these initiatives – the updated peace plan, elections, and territorial statements – indicates a strategic shift in Kyiv’s approach. There are at least three reasons for this:

1. International context. The U.S. and the EU are demanding structured negotiations. Washington, according to Western media reports, seeks to accelerate the process in order to secure a diplomatic success and reduce the risks of a prolonged conflict.
2. Military situation. Russian forces are intensifying pressure on several sectors of the front, and it is important for Ukraine to maintain political initiative even if the battlefield tempo is not in its favor.
3. Domestic political demand. The Ukrainian elite and society expect clarity: either continued mobilization and a strict wartime regime, or a transition toward forming the post-war political architecture.

Zelensky’s set of statements demonstrates Kyiv’s readiness for intensive diplomatic procedures. Ukraine is not so much softening its position as adjusting its tactics:

• ready to discuss mechanisms, but not borders;
• ready for elections, but only with Western support;
• ready to update the plan, but keep its key principles unchanged.

This approach allows Kyiv to maintain political initiative without making direct concessions.

Zelensky is betting on a synchronized strategy across three fronts – domestic, international, and diplomatic. The updated peace plan, declared readiness for elections, and public reinforcement of the principle of territorial integrity create the foundation for a new stage in Ukraine’s strategy. Ukraine is simultaneously demonstrating to Western partners readiness for compromise in form, but not in substance; to its internal audience – state manageability under wartime conditions; and to Russia – resilience and readiness for a prolonged political struggle. In the coming weeks, these elements will define the contours of the emerging diplomatic process.

Expert Group CCBS

#ANALYSIS

#UKRAINE

10.12.2025 02:09