From the editors: Kyiv Post is sharing a proposal it has received from the Belarusian Democratic Forum concerning the plan the US shared last week for ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
We welcome the leadership of US President Donald J. Trump in advancing a pathway toward a durable peace in Ukraine. Ending the war is an urgent priority. However, for any peace Agreement to be durable, enforceable, and strategically balanced, it must address all states directly involved in the conflict. Belarus played a central role in the 2022 invasion and remains a critical operational platform for Russian military presence. Excluding Belarus would leave a structural loophole that threatens Ukrainian security, NATO’s eastern flank, and the long-term stability of any peace framework.
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Accordingly, the following provisions are recommended for inclusion in the Peace Agreement.
Why Belarus Must Be Included
- Belarus was part of the war.
Belarus voluntarily provided Russia with territory, airfields, and logistics for the assault on Kyiv. Missiles were launched from Belarusian soil, aircraft took off from its airbases, and Belarus served as a rear operational hub.
- Belarus deliberately misled Ukraine.
On the eve of the invasion, Aleksandr Lukashenko publicly promised that no attack would come from Belarus. Days later, Russia attacked from Belarusian territory.
- No lasting peace is possible without securing the northern flank.
As long as Russian forces, missiles, and tactical nuclear weapons remain in Belarus, Ukraine’s northern border is exposed.
Other Topics of Interest
What Ukrainians Talk About When We Talk About Dignity
Zelensky addressed Ukrainians and invoked a notion that none could ignore with an easy conscience. Dignity has become a fundamental concept for a generation fighting for survival.
Proposed Treaty Articles
- Sovereignty and Security of Belarus
The Accord must reaffirm the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Belarus alongside Ukraine.
Comment: This principle was included in the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and must be explicitly restated to restore undermined guarantees.
- Prohibition on the Use of Belarusian Territory for Aggression
Belarus shall not allow its territory, airspace, or infrastructure to be used for military, hybrid, or other offensive actions against Ukraine or neighboring NATO states. This requires withdrawal of all foreign troops from Belarus and strict limits on any future foreign military activity.
Comment: Any presence of foreign contingents must comply with international obligations and remain within the thresholds of the OSCE Vienna Document.
- Non-Nuclear Status of Belarus
Belarus must return to permanent non-nuclear status.
Comment: Compliance should be verified through international inspections, consistent with NPT obligations.
- Political Prisoners and Cessation of Persecution
All politically motivated cases must be closed within 30 days, political prisoners released, and citizens guaranteed safe return.
Comment: This is necessary for national reconciliation and political normalization. Sanctions relief should depend on ending repression, halting hybrid actions, and conducting free and fair elections.
- Elections and Constitutional Compliance
Parliamentary and presidential elections must be held in Belarus within 250 days, in full compliance with OSCE standards. A structured dialogue between the authorities and democratic representatives should guide constitutional reforms.
The Forum of Democratic Forces of Belarus is a public platform for finding ideas and developing proposals on various issues of social, economic and political development of the state.
See the original here.