On September 27, 2024, at UN General Assembly, "Friends for Peace" group launched on China-Brazil initiative.
Participants: 17 Global South countries: Brazil, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Turkey, Mexico, Colombia, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Uganda, Zambia, etc.
Stated objective: "Create conditions for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine based on mutual respect".
6+6 Proposal:
- No military escalation
- No nuclear weapons use
- Civilian and prisoner protection
- Nuclear plant safety
- Humanitarian corridors
- Peace conference with Russia AND Ukraine (key point)
Differences from Zelensky Formula:
- Does NOT mention Russian troop withdrawal
- Does NOT mention specific territorial integrity
- Calls for "negotiated solution considering realities on ground"
Ukraine reaction: Zelensky harshly rejects. "Friends for Peace who accept occupation are not friends of peace but accomplices to aggression".
Western reaction: USA and EU criticize. "Proposal legitimizes territorial conquest".
Support: Russia welcomes positively. "Finally realistic approach".
Assessment: Global South attempt to present alternative to Zelensky Formula. Reflects frustration with Western "all or nothing" approach. But de facto favors Russia by freezing status quo with 20% of Ukraine occupied. Further divides international community.