Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to communicate with former U.S. President Donald Trump following the U.S.’s presentation of a draft peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. This plan was reportedly developed by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev, without involving Ukrainian officials. Zelensky’s office issued a statement indicating that the U.S. believed the draft could “help reinvigorate diplomacy” and noted that Ukraine was willing to assist in shaping the plan to achieve a fair conclusion to the war. Kyiv expressed support for “all substantive proposals capable of bringing genuine peace closer.”
However, the specifics of the proposal have not been disclosed by Ukrainian officials. Reports from sources like Axios, the Financial Times, and Reuters suggest that the plan might require Ukraine to relinquish control of certain areas in the Donbas region, reduce its military size, and limit its arsenal. If these elements are confirmed, they may align closely with Russian interests, which could explain Ukraine’s cautious response.
In a White House briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt contested any assertions that the plan requires significant concessions from Ukraine, adding that the U.S. is aiming for a balanced approach for both parties. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has characterized the significance of the plan as minimal, stating that while there have been “contacts” with the U.S., no formal consultations were taking place.
Zelensky’s statement followed a meeting in Kyiv with high-ranking U.S. military leaders, and it coincided with European officials expressing concerns about drafting plans without consulting Ukraine or European partners. Additionally, Peskov emphasized that any peace agreement must address the “root causes of the conflict,” a phrase often interpreted by Ukraine as implying further demands. Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko conveyed that Ukraine had not been included in the discussions, expressing concern about external decision-making regarding the conflict.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches, tensions remain high, with Ukraine continuing its military efforts against Russian forces, while Moscow’s aggressions persist.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly1ypqlle0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss