Ukrainians to Decide Possible Land Concessions Via Referendum – Zelensky

December 12 ------ President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at a referendum for Ukrainians to decide whether to cede land to Russia to help end Russia’s invasion. The comment came as the US pressures Kyiv to concede the Donbas region as part of the peace settlement – a Kremlin war goal and a red line for Kyiv, as it is prohibited by the Ukrainian Constitution.

Zelensky, speaking to reporters on Thursday, said it is ultimately the Ukrainians’ decision on the price for peace – hinting at possible elections or referendums. “I believe the people of Ukraine will answer this question. Whether through elections or a referendum, the Ukrainian people must take a position,” he said, according to RBC Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump claimed Wednesday that 82% of Ukrainians “are demanding that a settlement be made” – a statement contradicted by local surveys and Kyiv Post interviews, which show most reject peace tied to territorial concessions or limits on sovereignty.

Zelensky also confirmed rumors that current proposals would force Ukraine to withdraw troops from its own territory – but not for the occupying Russian troops. He said the US proposed to have the area designated as a “free economic” zone – or “demilitarized,” according to the Kremlin.

However, Zelensky said key issues remain unresolved, including who would control the zone, how monitoring would work, whether Russian troops would pull back equally, and how to prevent infiltration by Russians posing as “civilians.” The Ukrainian president said Kyiv continues to push for terms less one-sidedly favorable to Moscow. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Kyiv has already sent a new proposal outlining the territorial concessions Ukraine might be willing to consider to end Russia’s invasion. Zelensky also said military developments could influence ongoing talks. “What the Ukrainian military can deter, how they can position themselves, where they can destroy the occupier. This affects the entire diplomatic structure,” he added.

Zelensky’s Thursday comments follow a Wednesday phone call between Trump and European leaders that likely addressed the outlines of ongoing peace talks. Trump said “pretty strong words” were used in the conversation, while Merz said the talks were conducted with “mutual respect.”

Merz said additional talks with US officials are planned this weekend, and that a broader international meeting on Ukraine “could take place at the beginning of next week.” Merz outlined three priorities for the ongoing diplomatic push: securing a ceasefire, ensuring it is backed by “robust legal and material guarantees,” and reaching a settlement that protects European security without undermining the unity of NATO or the European Union.

A leaked version of the original 28-point plan, drafted by US officials with input from the Kremlin, included terms such as requiring Ukraine to withdraw its NATO membership bid, limit the size of its military, and surrender territory that Russian forces have so far failed to seize on the battlefield. European leaders have opposed such concessions and called for fairer terms and consideration for European security.

Source: kyivpost.com