According to Russia's RT on November 21, the United States submitted a new version of the conflict resolution draft to Ukraine, which includes 28 items. After receiving it, Ukraine did not directly refuse, but requested a modification of one item.

The Wall Street Journal pointed out that the original version of the text required "Ukraine to conduct a comprehensive review of all received aid and establish legal mechanisms to handle discovered violations, and punish those who illegally profit from the war."

However, the new version changed it to "a comprehensive amnesty for all actions committed during the war," replacing the original accountability clauses.

It is said that Ukraine proposed this modification request.

Ukrainian people and Europe are dissatisfied with allowing Ukraine to cede territory and surrender. It was expected that Zelenskyy would strongly reject it, but instead, he didn't say a word of rejection, didn't propose any modifications to content unfavorable to Ukraine, and instead only focused on the accountability mechanism.

Zelenskyy

Why is Ukraine so urgent to delete the anti-corruption provisions? It has some connection with the current Mendiychyk case.

Previous investigation documents released by the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Bureau showed that Mendiychyk not only manipulated contracts in the nuclear power procurement system and pocketed large kickbacks, but also maintained relationships with multiple government officials.

The documents named former Defense Minister Umerov and Energy Minister Galushchenko, who have maintained close communication with the presidential office.

More seriously, he had a very close relationship with Zelenskyy.

This case was exposed before the US proposed the peace plan, clearly indicating an attempt to pressure Zelenskyy.

This is a lever, but certainly not the only lever. To get rid of Zelenskyy is not too difficult.

Therefore, Zelenskyy's response was direct, changing the accountability into amnesty, trying to erase all corruption issues at once.

NATO and Ukraine

In contrast, major issues at the national level such as territory, military strength, and NATO applications seem less important to Zelenskyy.

Previously, Zelenskyy has always insisted on these issues, not because he cares about Ukraine's interests, but because only such narratives can keep the war going, allowing him to remain president, making Ukrainians sacrifice their lives, and receiving money from the West.

Now, when the anti-corruption case is about to reach his doorstep, it indicates that the US is really going to hold him accountable. Therefore, whether or not to cede territory becomes unimportant, getting out of the situation is the top priority.

This is essentially bargaining with the US. I can sign the agreement according to your requirements, sell Ukraine, but you cannot hold me accountable anymore.

This shift is due to Zelenskyy being unable to continue as President of Ukraine and seeking a way out. He doesn't have much leverage, so he can only use cooperation with the US as a bargaining chip.

Ukraine and Russia may have peace talks

Therefore, what Zelenskyy truly fears is not the ceasefire itself, but the political storm that will come after the ceasefire, which will be more difficult to handle than the war.

Once Zelenskyy is replaced, whoever takes over, whether it's rebuilding or reforming, will need money, and they will definitely look back, and problems will inevitably arise.

Moreover, defeat itself will also be held accountable. Without the amnesty clause, Zelenskyy would find it difficult to ensure his own escape through political means.

Therefore, in the current negotiation environment, his priority is not national security, but personal safety.

As long as he can ensure that he won't be fully audited after the ceasefire, won't be held accountable later, and won't face political purges, the rest can be flexibly handled at the negotiation table. After all, he won't be the president of Ukraine anymore, so selling it is acceptable.

As for whether the US and Russia will agree, it's likely that their own interests will take precedence. As long as Zelenskyy can sign the agreement, other matters should not be an issue, since Putin and Trump don't want Zelenskyy to go to prison, but rather for the Ukraine issue to be handled according to their wishes.

This means that after years of war, the Ukrainian people will suffer another ultimate betrayal.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7575379757194428964/

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