Zelenskiy Targets China as Brazil Advocates for Peace in Ukraine, According to Reuters

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday rejected initiatives by China and Brazil aimed at resolving Russia’s war in Ukraine. He questioned the rationale behind their proposals, emphasizing that seeking alternatives to his established peace plan would not enhance their influence at Ukraine’s expense.

The conflict began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Nine months later, Zelenskiy introduced a 10-point peace plan intended to establish a just resolution grounded in the principles of the U.N. Charter and international law, but Moscow dismissed this proposal.

Zelenskiy stated, “The peace formula has already existed for two years, and perhaps some people are seeking a Nobel Prize for their political profiles by advocating for a frozen truce rather than genuine peace. However, the only rewards that Putin will provide in return are increased suffering and disasters.”

He warned that proposing “alternatives or half-hearted settlement plans” would only give Russian President Vladimir Putin the political breathing room he needs to prolong the war.

China has been working to rally support from developing countries for a six-point peace initiative it introduced with Brazil in May. Their proposal suggests holding an international peace conference at a mutually agreed time recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, allowing equal participation from all involved parties and equitable discourse on all peace plans.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva promoted the plan during his address to the General Assembly on Tuesday. Zelenskiy responded, asserting, “Any parallel or alternative attempts to seek peace are essentially efforts to create a temporary lull, rather than a genuine resolution to the conflict.”

He further remarked, “When the Chinese-Brazilian duo attempts to emerge as a chorus of voices—enlisting support from both European and African nations—offering alternatives to a comprehensive and just peace, it raises the question about their true motives. It is important for everyone to understand: you will not gain influence at Ukraine’s expense.”

Looking ahead, Zelenskiy is set to present a “victory plan” to U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday.