Ex-president of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma, who has been recently reinstated as Kyiv's representative in the trilateral OSCE-Ukraine-Russia contact group, believes that the so-called Steinmeier formula of the Donbas peace process "is unacceptable" in the version "which it is offered now".

The statement followed Kuchma's agreement to sign the formula alongside other members of the group in late September, which is supposed to negotiate an end to the fighting in Ukraine’s eastern region of Donbas. This deal triggered the largest street protests since the 2014 Euromaidan in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, as well as severe criticism from the parliamentary pro-Western, reformist and liberal factions.

"There will be no withdrawal of all [Russia-backed] troops, equipment, and disarmament in the law, so that the [Russian-Ukrainian] border is given to Ukraine – nothing can be held there [about local elections], news agency Interfax quoted Kuchma as saying on October 25. "The Steinmeier formula, which should be considered at the level of the Verkhovna Rada and so on, is not surrender, it is also the path we should discuss, if there are proposals. [...] Of course, in the version which it is offered now – is unacceptable."

According to the peace formula, a special territorial status for the rebel-held areas of Donbas should be provided after they hold local elections. The elections have to take place in accordance with the Ukrainian legislation and be approved by the OSCE.

Speaking about the prospects for peace, Kuchma recalled that back in 2015 he stated that "peace in Ukraine depends on God and on [President of the Russian Federation Vladimir] Putin", according to Interfax.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited the frontline in the Luhansk region on October 26. He met with a group of armed Ukrainian veterans and nationalists, who had settled in the frontline town of Zolote with the aim of protecting the local population from pro-Russian troops in case of withdrawal of Kyiv forces.

“Some conversations [with the veterans] were emotional. However, I am willing to continue to speak and seek mutual understanding. But one cannot end the war with talks. It was important for me to hear Ukrainians who are striving for peace. This is the main thing for me. We must find ways and work to end the war. But not at any cost - I put emphasis on that,” Zelenskiy's media office quoted him as saying.

"There will be no capitulation. I say this as president and supreme commander-in-chief. I am sure that we will cope with everything and Ukraine will be united again," he added.

Disputed peace formula

In October, Zelenskiy said in a statement that the greenlighted peace formula does not imply "that Ukraine recognises the annexation of Crimea and renounces Donbas". "Does it imply that elections in Donbas will be held tomorrow at the barrel of machine guns? No."

"This formula means only one thing - when the so-called law on the special status of Donbas should start working," he said. "Namely, after the local elections there, which will be held under the constitution of Ukraine, the legislation of Ukraine, and after the publication of the OSCE report that the elections were held in accordance with international democratic standards. That's what Ukraine agreed with in Minsk."

"We have sent a separate letter to Mr. Sajdik confirming the position's agreement on the text of this formula. What's next? Elections in Donbas tomorrow? No. Next, there will be a meeting in the Normandy format [summit]. [...] My position on this issue is clear and it is in line with the position of all Ukrainians: we all understand that Donbas is Ukraine. Peace must prevail there, ceasefire must be completed and foreign military formations must be withdrawn." Zelenskiy also said that Kyiv should seek, "Ukrainian border guards on the Ukrainian-Russian border".

"And elections should take place not at the barrel of machine guns, but under Ukrainian law, with the access of candidates from the Ukrainian political parties, the Ukrainian media and international observers, with the possibility of exercising their suffrage by all internally displaced persons," the president said. "We will discuss all this during a meeting in the Normandy format"