Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky delivered a 10-minute address in response to the 28-point peace plan devised by the US and Russia, leaving room for multiple interpretations. While he avoided explicitly rejecting the plan or reaffirming Ukraine’s traditional red lines, his speech was described as sensational for what he chose not to say, particularly the word ‘no’. The ambiguity in his message has raised questions about whether he is preparing to accept, reject, or delay a decision on the proposal, highlighting the complex political and diplomatic challenges facing Ukraine.
It would be easy to misunderstand the 10-minute address that Ukraine’s leader delivered for his people and the world in response to the 28-point peace plan devised by Russia and the US. That is because Zelensky’s speech was clearly designed to allow for several mutually contradictory interpretations: was it an attempt to prepare the ground for, in essence, accepting the plan, even though its opponents caricature it as Ukraine’s de facto capitulation? Is the real message, on the contrary, that Zelensky will try to persuade Washington to add conditions that will sink the plan, while blaming Russia? Or is the beleaguered Ukrainian leader really just playing for time and desperately casting about for options, testing the public mood at home and reactions abroad?
Yet one thing is certain, although it was hidden in plain sight: Zelens,ky’s address was sensational – and that is no hyperbole – because of what he chose not to say. Namely, ‘no’. Zelensky could easily have reiterated Kiev’s traditional ‘red lines’. Indeed, Ukraine’s traditional red lines. Indeed, Ukraine’s traditional red lines. Indeed, Ukraine’s traditional red lines. Indeed, Ukraine’s traditional red lines. Indeed, Ukraine’s traditional red lines. Indeed, Ukraine’s traditional red lines.