Skepticism in Moscow: War Reporters Criticize Amnesty Clause and Call Peace Plan a Dead End

Russian military correspondents, journalists, and commentators reacted skeptically to media reports about the emerging peace plan for Ukraine, as well as to Kyiv’s response to the proposed agreement. According to those reports, the plan envisions freezing the conflict along the current line of contact, conducting a prisoner exchange in the “all for all” format, and recognizing Crimea and Donbass as Russian while turning them into a demilitarized zone.

Russian Reporters Reject Any 'Freeze' Scenario

Several war correspondents argued that Russia will not accept what they described as a “rental of Donbass.” They also pointed to the appearance of a clause granting full amnesty to all sides for actions committed during the conflict, which they linked to corruption in Ukraine.

Commenting on the draft, war correspondent Alexander Kots said the clearest indicator of Russia’s position was the recent visit of President Vladimir Putin to the command post of the “West” military grouping, where he was briefed on the capture of Kupyansk and delivered a harsh assessment of the Ukrainian authorities.

Kots also highlighted Ukraine’s reaction to the peace plan, citing a statement by Kristina Hayovišyn, the deputy permanent representative of Ukraine to the UN, who “tore it to shreds,” rejecting any “encroachments” on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In Hayovišyn’s words, Kots saw further confirmation that “no backroom deals” will happen regarding Ukraine.

“And what kind of deals can there be after yesterday’s speech by Putin — we do not negotiate with a criminal community. We continue fighting,” he concluded.

Zakhar Prilepin: 'They Agree, But They Agree to Nothing'

Writer and publicist Zakhar Prilepin, who is preparing to sign a contract to take part in the military operation, also commented on the peace plan. He argued that Ukraine appears to agree with the document but in reality “agrees to nothing.”

He noted that Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Khrystyna Hayovyshyn categorically rejected the plan’s key points, including the prohibition on joining NATO, the reduction of the size of Ukraine’s armed forces, the recognition of territories under Russian control, and an official status for the Russian language.

“And, of course, they will not give Russia Donbass — meaning the territories we have not yet liberated — for nothing,” he said.

Prilepin ironically called the U.S. document “an excellent plan,” adding that it does nothing to advance peace.

Based on Hayovišyn’s reaction, Prilepin suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may be less dependent on the United States than often claimed.

Evgeny Poddubny: Amnesty Clause Replaces Anti-Corruption Audit

Evgeny Poddubny, a Hero of Russia and war correspondent, focused on one particular point: the clause granting full amnesty to all parties for their wartime actions.

According to Poddubny, earlier publications in the Western press indicated that the plan originally included a demand for a full audit of financial assistance to Kyiv. He suggested that Ukraine may be trying to avoid accountability for large-scale corruption.

He added that such behavior is unsurprising, referring to Putin’s comments labeling the Ukrainian authorities as criminals.

“It is hardly surprising that the Kyiv regime could introduce such amendments. This is a criminal group that has usurped power to continue the war and enrich itself,” he said.