Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on 11/8 that Ukraine has submitted peace proposals to the US, outlining a plan to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. Concurrently, President Zelensky voiced apprehension that Russia might be preparing to announce a new mobilization wave, aiming to recruit hundreds of thousands of additional soldiers.
"We have submitted our proposals to the American side," President Zelensky said in a video address. He emphasized that the US could assist Ukraine in bolstering its defense capabilities, particularly air defense, and also pressure Russia to prepare for an end to hostilities rather than prolonging the conflict.
The details of these proposals were not disclosed by President Zelensky. The last visit by US negotiators to Moscow involved special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, in January. Neither envoy has visited Kyiv in the past two years. Ukraine has repeatedly called for a ceasefire after nearly 4.5 years of conflict. Russia maintains its support for peace negotiations, but insists that a resolution requires Ukraine to fully relinquish the 4 territories Russia claimed in 2022. Moscow also seeks to address the "root causes" of the conflict, including Kyiv's aspiration to join NATO.
 |
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, France on 13/7. Photo: AFP |
President Zelensky's concern regarding a new Russian mobilization stems from intelligence reports. He stated that Ukrainian intelligence has verified information through internal Russian documents, suggesting Russia will use upcoming parliamentary elections to announce a large-scale recruitment drive. Details of these documents were not released.
Russia's parliamentary elections are scheduled for 18-20/9. Adding to the political climate, the Russian Supreme Court on 10/8 banned the Yabloko party from participating in the elections, citing violations of electoral law. The Yabloko party is the only official political entity that has openly opposed the war.
Previously, Russia conducted a "partial mobilization" in 9/2022, primarily calling up reservists and former contract soldiers. Despite recent concerns, Russian officials have not publicly discussed the possibility of organizing any new mobilization waves. In July, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev asserted that Moscow does not require a new mobilization order, citing approximately 200,000 volunteers who signed contracts in the first half of 2026.
Thanh Danh (According to Reuters, Kyiv Post)
