Russia-Ukraine War: Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the global community has witnessed ongoing violence, massive geopolitical shifts, and widespread disruption to supply chains and food security. As the war rages on, multiple peace plans have been proposed, with different nations and organizations seeking to mediate and bring an end to the conflict. Amidst the continued fighting, there has been a parallel struggle over which peace plan should prevail, with Ukraine standing firm that its own plan is the only viable solution.
In this article, we’ll explore the most prominent peace plans on the table, including those proposed by China, Brazil, and Ukraine, as well as the responses from the international community.
China and Brazil’s Peace Proposal
At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) annual session in September 2024, China and Brazil convened a 17-member meeting on the sidelines to gather support for their joint peace plan for Ukraine. The group, called the “Friends for Peace,” was chaired by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Brazil’s Foreign Policy Adviser Celso Amorim. Notably, neither Ukraine nor Russia were present at the meeting.
This plan, initially proposed in May 2024, outlines several key actions aimed at de-escalating the conflict:
- Limiting the Battlefield: Both Russia and Ukraine should avoid expanding the battlefield and refrain from escalating the fighting or engaging in provocations.
- Resumption of Dialogue: Direct dialogue between the two nations should resume, with the goal of de-escalation and eventually reaching a ceasefire. This would be supported by an international peace conference, with both Ukraine and Russia attending.
- Humanitarian Assistance: An increase in humanitarian aid to the regions most affected by the war.
- Nuclear Concerns: A commitment to prevent the use of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, alongside opposition to attacks on nuclear facilities.
- Global Cooperation: An emphasis on avoiding division into isolated political or economic groups, advocating instead for international cooperation on energy, trade, finance, food security, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
This proposal aligns with China’s earlier suggestions for peace, dating back to the beginning of the war. However, despite Switzerland sending an observer to the meeting and voicing support for the plan, it has faced strong opposition from Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Response to the China-Brazil Plan
Ukraine has been clear in its stance: the only acceptable peace plan is the one proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Following the meeting between China and Brazil, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement, rejecting the “Friends for Peace” plan. The ministry emphasized that Zelenskyy’s peace formula is “the only way to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.”
Zelenskyy has consistently argued that any attempt to negotiate with Moscow without significant pressure on Russia would be futile. In his view, Russia must be “forced into peace” through military and diplomatic means, rather than negotiations that favor Moscow’s interests.
Zelenskyy’s Peace Plan
In contrast to the plan proposed by China and Brazil, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has put forth his own 10-point peace formula, which emphasizes Ukraine’s territorial integrity and holding Russia accountable for its actions. This plan has been strongly backed by several Western nations, though it has not been accepted by Russia or China.
Here are the key elements of Zelenskyy’s peace plan:
- Safety Around Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant: The largest nuclear power plant in Europe, located in Ukraine and currently occupied by Russian forces, must have its safety and security restored.
- Protection of Grain Exports: Ukraine’s grain exports, a critical source of food for many countries, must be safeguarded from further disruption.
- Restoration of Power Infrastructure: The energy infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks needs to be rebuilt. In addition, price restrictions should be placed on Russia’s energy exports.
- Release of Prisoners: All prisoners of war, as well as civilians, including children who were forcibly deported to Russia, must be released.
- Restoration of Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity: Ukraine’s sovereignty over its internationally recognized borders must be reaffirmed, in line with the United Nations Charter.
- Russian Troop Withdrawal: Russia must withdraw its troops and halt all hostilities, allowing Ukraine to restore its borders with Russia.
- War Crimes Tribunal: A special tribunal should be established to investigate and prosecute war crimes committed by Russian forces during the conflict.
- Environmental Protections: Efforts must be made to protect the environment, and water treatment facilities damaged during the war should be restored.
- Security Guarantees for Ukraine: Long-term security guarantees for Ukraine should be made, particularly within the Euro-Atlantic region, to prevent future escalations.
- Formal End to the War: A legally binding document signed by both Russia and Ukraine, marking the formal conclusion of the war.
This plan has received considerable support, particularly from Western allies, though it faces challenges in securing wider international backing, especially from countries like Brazil and China, which have sought a more neutral approach to the conflict.
Global Reactions and Peace Efforts
The global community remains divided over how to approach peace in Ukraine. Switzerland, despite being a neutral nation, has taken active steps, including hosting a peace summit in June 2024 based on Zelenskyy’s plan. However, Russia and China did not attend the summit, and Brazil refrained from signing the final declaration, signaling differing perspectives on the path forward.
The multitude of peace proposals reflects the complexity of the Russia-Ukraine war and the difficulty of finding a solution that satisfies all stakeholders. While Ukraine maintains that its plan is the only viable one, other countries are pushing for alternatives that could potentially bring the war to an end sooner, albeit without meeting all of Ukraine’s conditions.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to numerous attempts by the global community to broker peace. From China and Brazil’s proposals to Ukraine’s more hardline stance, there is no shortage of ideas on how to end the war. However, the wide array of peace plans also highlights the deep divisions within the international community over how to address the conflict. As the war continues to evolve, so too will the efforts to negotiate a lasting peace, though achieving consensus remains a formidable challenge.