Journalist and political analyst Vitaliy Portnikov commented on the current situation around the so-called peace plan for resolving the Russia-Ukraine war. He emphasized that this is not a real peace plan, but rather a set of points created to influence U.S. policy and try to ease sanctions against Russia.
According to Portnikov, Putin has no intention to stop the war and openly talks about conquering new Ukrainian territories through political and military pressure. There are no concrete mechanisms to end hostilities in this 'peace plan'. Russia's main goal is to keep the war going while imitating negotiations.
Portnikov highlights that a real indicator of peace is an actual ceasefire. If the Russian side is not willing to do this, the war will continue. He also points out that statements by Donald Trump and the ambiguous stance of the West hinder unity among Ukraine's allies and help prolong the conflict. Sanctions remain a crucial tool to pressure Russia, but so far, they have not changed the Kremlin's position.
In summary, Portnikov argues that the only route to genuine peace is a true ceasefire, after which negotiations can take place with the involvement of international mediators. Proposing new conditions or plans only postpones the war’s end. In his view, Russia’s current 'peace plan' is actually a plan to turn Ukraine into a Russian protectorate, leaving it without real security guarantees or sovereignty.
