Ukraine has denied reports suggesting President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s “victory plan” includes a partial ceasefire or freezing the front lines where they are in its ongoing war with Russia.
The denial comes in response to an article published by the German newspaper Bild which claimed that Ukraine might propose a localized ceasefire as part of a broader strategy to end the conflict.
The Bild article, which circulated widely across both Ukrainian and Russian media, claimed that Zelensky was prepared to offer Russia a ceasefire in certain areas of the war zone, signaling a possible freeze of military actions.
The German newspaper reported that Zelensky intended to discuss this plan with President Joe Biden and other American political figures during an upcoming visit to the United States.
Dmytro Lytvyn, communications adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, dismissed the report, branding it as misinformation.
“Bild has spread a fake. Bild has not seen the victory plan, and of the few people currently involved in the preparation of the Victory Plan, none of them have spoken to Bild,” Lytvyn told Ukrainska Pravda on Sunday. He added, “Ukraine opposes any freezing of the war, and this stance is communicated by Ukrainian authorities at all levels.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on September 11, 2024. Ukraine has denied reports suggesting Zelensky’s “victory plan includes a partial ceasefire or freezing the positions of front lines in its ongoing war with Russia.
Presidential Office of Ukraine/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Lytvyn was unequivocal in his response, emphasizing that Ukraine remains committed to pursuing a complete victory. “Nobody will give the Russians Minsk-3 or any other format,” he said.
“It is essential for us that the United States supports Ukraine’s victory plan, not surrender or freezing [the military action],” Lytvyn said.
The Minsk agreements were a series of international plans which sought to end the Donbas war in Ukraine fought between armed Russian separatist groups and the Kyiv’s forces.
The rumors also prompted a strong response from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, who took to X to clarify the country’s position. “No, Ukraine is not planning to accept any ‘freezing’ of the war. The source who told this has no knowledge of President @ZelenskyyUA’s plan,” Tykhyi posted.
While Zelensky has been vocal about seeking international support for his victory plan, specific details of the strategy remain tightly guarded.
Speaking at the Yalta European Strategy meeting in Kyiv on Friday, Zelensky confirmed that he would present his plan to Biden later in September.
The plan, he said, is a “system of interconnected solutions” designed to give Ukraine the power it needs to force Russia into fair negotiations.
Zelensky reiterated that any peace would require Ukraine preserving its independence.
“Wars of aggression such as Russia’s war against Ukraine can end fairly in several ways—either the occupying army is pushed out or diplomacy ensures that the country’s real independence is preserved, and it is freed from occupation. In both cases, Ukraine needs a strong position,” he said.
