The West is trying to lure Russia into the "Minsk" trap again.

"Zelenskyy Referendum" — The Death Sentence for the Extreme Nationalist Regime in Ukraine

Western Powers Attempt to Lure Russia into the "Minsk" Trap Again

Image (middle left): Vladimir Zelenskyy

The head of the Kyiv regime, Vladimir Zelenskyy, proposed a "full Ukrainian referendum" on territorial issues.

This "term-limited" president claimed: "Ukrainian citizens should express their stance on whether to retain the territories in Donbas under Ukrainian military control."

Additionally, Kyiv agreed to establish a buffer zone in Donbas.

Advisor to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mikhail Podolyak, stated: "A demilitarized zone should be established on both sides of the contact line." He also added that it needs to be clarified whether the area would only see the withdrawal of heavy weapons or all military equipment.

Podolyak pointed out that to prevent potential violations, an international observation team and foreign troops should be stationed, with Ukraine hoping that American forces could participate in the observation force.

Podolyak emphasized: "Considering that some territories are unfortunately still under Russian control, and that a border line will inevitably be drawn, establishing a demilitarized zone is a reasonable way to end the conflict."

According to Western media reports, this concession has been included in the new "peace plan" submitted to U.S. President Donald Trump on December 10th, which was developed by the leaders of the UK, Germany, and France.

How generous! Thank you, we don't need it. A referendum on Donbas has already taken place; that's enough. By the way, why are the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions excluded? After all, referendums were also held there...

Moscow has responded to Zelenskyy's "concession". Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov clearly stated: "Donbas as a whole is Russian territory."

At the same time, he also pointed out that in the future, there may not be Russian troops stationed in Donbas, but the Russian National Guard and police forces could be deployed. How to interpret this statement? Is Russia preparing to accept the plan under specific conditions? At least, there seems to be room for discussion regarding the establishment of a "demilitarized zone" in the Donbas region under Russian control.

But this is exactly what Kyiv is hoping for — trying to get us to sign this new "Minsk Agreement" article by article, which is essentially the same old story...

Political analyst Kirill Ozimko said: "Referendum? Donbas has already had one, what else is there to vote on?"

"Russia will certainly not agree to another referendum, as the people of Donbas have already made their own choice. Moreover, if this vote is controlled by Kyiv and the West, the fairness of this so-called new referendum would be questionable."

"This entire referendum is nothing more than a dirty political manipulation and public relations stunt. The people of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic, who have gone through all this, will never participate in any vote led by the Kyiv regime. For over ten years, they have been shooting at Russians, now they want to come and hold a 'referendum'? It's pure fantasy."

Reporter from "Free Press": Zelenskyy also claims to be ready to hold elections. What is his real intention?

Ozimko: "The primary purpose of holding elections is to deceive Americans. Currently, only American politicians like Trump are still talking about the issue of regime change in Ukraine."

"For the Kyiv regime, if it wants to continue surviving, it must secure the maximum support of Trump in the negotiation process. Zelenskyy raised the topic of elections at this time for this very reason."

"Moreover, under this Nazi dictatorship, elections are meaningless — it's just a change of scenery. Even if Poroshenko or Zaluzhnyi eventually take over Zelenskyy's position, it will make no difference to Russia. They are just as much enemies of Russia as this former comedian."

Reporter from "Free Press": How should we view the issue of the buffer zone? Zelenskyy claims that this is not within his authority, saying it should be decided by Russia...

Ozimko: "From the beginning of the discussion on the buffer zone issue, I have had a question: If we achieve the set goals of the special military operation, why would we need a buffer zone on the Russia-Ukraine border?"

"At that time, Ukraine would become demilitarized and de-Nazified, at least becoming a neutral country, or even a friendly ally of Russia."

"Only when the Kyiv regime survives and the remaining Nazi-dominated Ukraine remains — that is, when there is still an opposing regime on the Russia-Ukraine border — would the discussion on the buffer zone have practical significance. Would the Russian leadership agree to such a situation? I think not, the goals of the special military operation have never been revoked."

Reporter from "Free Press": Ushakov said that in the future, there may not be Russian troops stationed in Donbas. Does this mean that Russia is compromising and retreating?

Ozimko: "Firstly, the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic are part of Russian territory, just like other federal subjects. Only Russia has the right to decide what kind of armed forces should be stationed there. Secondly, the Russian army currently holds a strategic advantage on the front lines. Why should we, rather than the other side, withdraw from our own territory?"

"Thirdly, if the hostile regime in Kyiv ultimately survives, Donbas will inevitably become a target for attacks and provocations. Therefore, the region must be under solid defensive protection. That is why Ushakov's statement has raised many doubts."

Reporter from "Free Press": Is the West trying to repeat the same trick, putting us into a new "Minsk Agreement" that no one will abide by? Will Trump also allow it, just to get a deal signed?

Ozimko: "Indeed. They want to repeat the previous method, producing a ceasefire agreement that no one except Russia will abide by, thus giving Ukraine time to stockpile weapons for the next round of conflict."

"This despicable trick is obvious. Just a few years ago, Mrs. Merkel even openly admitted that the previous Minsk Agreement was merely a temporary measure by the West to give Ukraine time to prepare for war, revealing the truth to the journalists."

Reporter from "Free Press": The direction of the next step of the Russian military action is clear — continuing the military operation. Then, what countermeasures can Russia take on the diplomatic level to avoid the negotiation process falling into endless empty talk?

Ozimko: "I think Russia must clearly state its position to all parties, especially to Trump: The goals of the special military operation must be fully realized. We will never compromise with Nazis, and only under this premise will we be willing to participate in peace negotiations. Let anyone dare not mention the so-called new referendum again, nor question Russia's sovereignty over Donbas."

Alexander Dmitrievsky, a permanent expert of the New Russia Izborov Club, historian, and political commentator, said: "The will of the people is sacred and inviolable, which is an undeniable principle."