Victory in peace: Ukraine peace plan

The war in Ukraine has gone on for far too long and I have become convinced that I must do something about it.
From the outset, politicians have had the wrong mentality, Ukraine has been focused on victory and Western politicians has provided towards that end, but it is important to focus not on victory but on peace - Hence the name of my peace plan.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy quite rightly identifies the priorities that politicians should focus on when he uses the term 'Servant of the People', it is important that politicians are reminded of it.

Here I have published my peace plan entitled "Victory in Peace" which aims to offer a realistic and balanced framework for ending the conflict.

The plan is not written from an ideological or partisan position, but from a place of humanitarian concern and strategic thinking. I believe that peace is the greatest victory, and that prolonging the war — despite noble intentions — risks leading Ukraine into further suffering and destruction. It is time to place human life and stability above abstract notions of victory.

A key innovation in the plan is the proposal of a "winding down" phase — a structured and time-limited reduction in military support leading into a full ceasefire. This allows for a smooth transition out of conflict, avoiding the risk of sudden breakdown or misunderstanding.

The plan also includes provisions for referenda in contested regions, conducted under international supervision, as well as a system of witness states — neutral or supportive countries who will co-sign any peace agreement and act as diplomatic guarantors. These witness states will monitor compliance and help hold signatories accountable to the terms of peace.

Additionally, the plan recommends that if peacekeepers are required, they should come from neutral nations (such as members of the African Union) under the UN banner, to ensure fairness and prevent escalation.

I have submitted this plan to the Prime Minister, the Foreign Office, and the policy institute Chatham House, in the hope that it may help inform discussion and encourage serious progress toward a ceasefire.

You can read the full proposal here:
Victory in Peace – Ukraine Peace Plan (PDF)

— Luke T. O’Brien