Zelensky Pushes Unrealistic ‘Peace Formula’ in Davos

Zelensky plans requires a full Russian withdrawal, Russia giving up Crimea, and Russia paying reparations to Ukraine

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his opposition to a ceasefire with Russia and pushed his “Peace Formula,” which involves several unrealistic demands to end the war.

Zelensky’s plan requires a full Russian withdrawal from the territory it has captured since February 2022, Russia giving up Crimea, war crimes tribunals, and Russia paying reparations to Ukraine. Kyiv has no shot at implementing any aspect of the Peace Formula since its counteroffensive failed, and Ukrainian forces are now focused on defense and facing manpower shortages.

Despite the reality on the ground, Zelensky’s “Peace Formula” has received backing from the US and other Western nations. “There was the most representative meeting of national security advisors regarding the implementation of the Peace Formula. More than 80 countries and international institutions were represented,” Zelensky said in Davos.

Swiss President Viola Amherd said she offered Zelensky for Switzerland to hold a “peace summit” to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. But Russia will not be invited, and the summit is expected to focus on getting more countries to back Zelensky’s unrealistic goals.

“I had very productive negotiations with the President of Switzerland, discussing the possibility of holding a summit at the leaders’ level in Switzerland – the first summit, the Global Peace Summit. Today, our teams have already begun work on organizing such a summit,” Zelensky said.

Discussing the idea of a pause in fighting, Zelensky said he was against a freeze because “Putin is a predator who is not satisfied with frozen products.”

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.