Zelenskyy says Ukraine is ready to hold elections, will submit revised peace plan documents to the US
AFP reports, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said on Tuesday (December 9) that Ukraine is prepared to hold presidential elections, following US President Trump's repeated criticism that Ukraine has not held voting despite Russia's invasion lasting nearly four years. Zelenskyy also revealed that Ukraine is completing an updated version of the peace plan for Russia, which is expected to be submitted to the US on Wednesday (December 10).
Comment: The shift in Zelenskyy's position from "post-war election" to "preparing for elections" is essentially a direct response to the pressure of US aid. While Trump accuses Ukraine of not holding elections, he also sends out a signal of "no more money." However, the election plan under wartime conditions violates constitutional provisions and faces security challenges. This "support-driven" statement on elections is more like a political compromise to secure aid.
The submission of the revised peace plan is Zelenskyy's balancing act. On one hand, it must uphold the "no territorial concessions" bottom line to consolidate domestic support; on the other hand, it needs to meet U.S. demands to continue aid. The streamlined 20-point plan may seem to reflect European consensus, but it still cannot avoid core issues such as control over Donbas. Whether it can impress the White House and bridge the U.S.-Ukraine divide remains unknown.
Behind these two signals lies the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Ukraine's passive situation. Russian forces are advancing rapidly on the battlefield, while the U.S. is pressuring for elections and pushing for territorial concessions. Zelenskyy's dual statements are both a compromise to external pressures and an unavoidable move to seek more support through electoral legitimacy and peace proposals. Ultimately, Ukraine's fate remains entangled in great power games.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1851094175494152/
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