Ukraine should lead in creating its own peace plan
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Valeriy Pekar, a lecturer at the Kyiv-Mohyla Business School and co-founder of the New Country platform, discussed what a realistic peace plan for Ukraine and Russia could entail in an interview with Radio NV on July 29.
Valeriy Pekar
Pekar believes that the initiative for any peace plan should come from Ukraine, as the country needs sustainable peace more than anyone else. Kyiv should take the lead, demonstrating a higher level of agency and guiding others toward achieving shared interests and goals.
"No one will be more determined in this war than Ukrainians and Ukraine. We must be the most determined and consistent. We have to set an example," Pekar said.
Pekar emphasizes the importance of Ukraine setting an example by implementing sanctions against Russia and engaging in economic warfare. He asserts that Ukraine cannot expect others to do more than it is willing to do itself. Ukraine should present a real plan for victory and sustainable peace.
“Here I want to refer to a document called the Manifesto for Sustainable Peace. This is a document prepared by a group of Ukrainian diplomats, economists, philosophers, historians, and intellectuals in early 2023, which seemed absolutely ridiculous and like a list of wishes for St. Nicholas. But we see that today fragments of this document are becoming part of political resolutions,” he said.
According to Pekar, it is essential for Ukraine to develop its own peace plan and engage in discussions with Ukrainian society. He stresses the need for a conversation about what victory and defeat mean, as well as the various options between them. Defining the red line, what is acceptable and what is not, is crucial.
“Talking about the 1991 borders is, in fact, counterproductive. Because everyone understands that it is very difficult to achieve the 1991 borders and that there is no support from our partners and allies.”
Rather than fighting for territories, the focus should be on preserving Ukrainian statehood, identity, and the well-being of those who remain under occupation. This message needs to be effectively conveyed to Ukrainian society and to our partners in the West, East, and South.
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