Mykhailo Podoliak, a close adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said today that any plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine must include the withdrawal of Russian forces along the 1991 Ukrainian border.

Podoliak made these comments after China presented a 12-point plan for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Podoliak was referring to the border of Ukraine at the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

“Any ‘peace plan’ with only a ceasefire and, therefore, a new border demarcation and continued occupation of Ukrainian territory does not constitute peace but a freeze in hostilities, Ukrainian defeat, (and the) next phases of genocide by Russia,” he said in a message on Twitter.

“Ukraine’s position known – withdrawal of Russian troops to 1991 border line”.

Berlin is wary

Berlin’s reaction to the Chinese proposal submitted by China to the United Nations for a ceasefire in Ukraine was cautious.

The federal president Frank-Walter Steinmeier called it “doubtful” whether Beijing really wants to play such a constructive role, while the deputy government spokesman called it “good” that the Chinese government is clearly opposed to the use of nuclear weapons, but pointed out that “significant elements are missing” from the proposal, such as the withdrawal of Russian troops.

“Any constructive proposal that brings us closer to a just peace is welcome. But whether China as a world power wishes to play such a constructive role is still questionable. If he means it, he should talk not only with Moscow, but also with Kiev and work for peace under the umbrella of the United Nations,” said Mr. Steinmeier, as part of an event he organized earlier today at the Bellevue presidential palace on the occasion of the first anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine.

The federal president expressed his understanding of the impatience of many people in Germany for the war to end.

“Nowhere do people yearn for this more than in Ukraine, but a virtual peace, which will only reward Putin’s land grab and leave people to the arbitrariness of the conquerors, will not be peace. It is clear who could end the war, the one who brutally attacked the neighboring country and constantly throws troops into the Western front,” he stressed and reaffirmed Germany’s will to continue supporting Ukraine financially and militarily.

“Germany is not at war, but this war concerns us,” said the federal president.

On the government’s side, deputy government spokesman Wolfgang Buchner said in the same vein that it is “good” that China has presented a plan for Ukraine, that it has taken responsibility and that it has come out clearly against the use of nuclear weapons. “However, important elements, such as the withdrawal of Russian troops, are missing from the 12-point plan,” Mr Buchner added, noting that Beijing would have to discuss this proposal directly with Kiev.

However, according to information from the magazine Der Spiegel, there are doubts in Berlin about China’s neutrality, as the Chinese government is currently negotiating with Moscow even the purchase of Kamikaze drones, which will be delivered within April.

At the event held in Bellevue, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, via video call, called for continued support for his country and expressed confidence that Ukraine “is able to put an end to Russian aggression within the year.” He also emphasized that “no one will dare to attack again if they know that the free world is determined enough to defend its freedom.”

The chancellor Olaf Solzin a video message released on the occasion of today’s anniversary, speaks of the “failure” of Vladimir Putin, who “based on division, but achieved the opposite”, and reiterates that Germany will continue to support Ukraine ” for as long as needed”.

“It’s up to Putin. He can stop the war”, he emphasizes in his message. Later tonight Mr Solz will participate in the Group of Seven Summit, which will be held online on the topic of Ukraine. Mr. Zelensky has also been invited to participate in the Synod