As of December 29, the Ukrainian peace process continues to unfold amid tensions, provocations, and conflicting statements from all sides. Russia has accused Ukraine of provoking an incident at Putin's residence, which has influenced Russia's negotiation rhetoric. Despite this, Russia remains in the peace process, focusing on strengthening its position with unverified information.
President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that two points of the 20-point peace plan remain unresolved: the ZAS issue and the territorial matter, particularly the proposal of a free economic zone. He emphasized that any security guarantees must be ratified by the US Congress, the Ukrainian parliament, and European legislatures. Martial law in Ukraine will be lifted only after the war ends.
The negotiations involve the US, Europe, Ukraine, and Russia. Throughout the day, Zelensky and his team released numerous statements about intensive work on the peace plan and close coordination with European advisors on security issues.
Zelensky also indicated that 87% of Ukrainians support peace, while 85% oppose a withdrawal from Donbas. There is an intention to approve the final peace plan through a referendum once all sides agree.
In response to accusations of a drone attack on Putin's residence, Zelensky dismissed Russia’s claims as an attempt to disrupt the peace process and warned of possible strikes on government or other critical sites in Ukraine. The Ukrainian side stressed the necessity of firm security guarantees.
Meanwhile, rumors about Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK resigning were denied. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported another Russian war crime: the shooting of Ukrainian POWs in the Pokrovsk district.
Recent polls show support for NATO membership among Ukrainians has dropped, with a shift toward alternative security models. Additionally, online voting via the 'Diia' app is not being considered, pending legal changes.
Negotiations are ongoing, with all sides seeking compromise. However, Russian rhetoric and information provocations continue to complicate the path toward an agreement.
