Trump's contentious peace plan pushes for Ukraine concessions
The USA expects a response from Ukraine regarding the peace proposal, which includes recognizing Crimea as Russian and effectively accepting the current front lines, reports Axios. Trump's plan is described as a "final offer," while Kyiv views it as clearly pro-Russian.
According to sources familiar with the document's content, the United States expects Ukraine's response on Wednesday to the proposed framework for a peace agreement. This proposal includes recognizing Crimea as part of Russia and unofficial recognition of Russian control over almost all territories occupied since the 2022 invasion.
The one-page document, provided by the USA to Ukrainian representatives in Paris last week, is described as President Donald Trump's "final offer." The White House emphasizes that if the parties do not reach an agreement soon, the USA is ready to withdraw from negotiations.
Trump's plan would require significant concessions from President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, who has repeatedly stated that he will not accept the Russian occupation of Crimea and parts of four eastern Ukrainian regions.
"Although, according to reports, Vladimir Putin proposed freezing the front line to reach an agreement, he previously rejected other elements of the American proposal, including the presence of European peacekeeping forces on Ukrainian territory," writes Axios.
The Kremlin, however, quickly denied these reports.
One Ukrainian informant, in a conversation with Axios, stated that Kyiv views Trump's proposal as "highly biased towards Russia": - The proposal says very clearly what tangible gains Russia gets, but only vaguely and generally says what Ukraine is going to get - said the informant.
What Russia gains from Trump's proposal:
- Recognition by the USA of the annexation of Crimea (de jure).
- De facto recognition of Russian occupation of almost the entire Luhansk region and occupied parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.
- Guarantee that Ukraine will not join NATO; however, EU membership is allowed.
- Sanctions relief imposed since 2014.
- Expanded economic cooperation with the USA, especially in the energy and industrial sectors.
What Ukraine gains:
- "A robust security guarantee" provided by a group of European countries and possibly other like-minded countries. The document does not specify the details of a peacekeeping operation and does not foresee US participation.
- Return of a small portion of the Kharkiv region occupied by Russia.
- Unimpeded access to the Dnieper, which runs along the southern front line.
- Compensation and aid for reconstruction – without specifying the source of funding.
Other elements of the plan:
- The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, should remain Ukrainian territory but be managed by the USA, with energy being shared between Ukraine and Russia.
- The document also mentions an agreement between the USA and Ukraine on raw materials, which Trump announced would be signed on Thursday.
According to Axios, this plan was created after a four-hour meeting between Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Vladimir Putin, which took place last week.
Witkoff is expected to go to Moscow again this week – it will be his fourth meeting with Putin.
Breakthrough talks in London?
On Wednesday in London, key talks between Ukraine and allies will take place on the unconditional ceasefire with Russia, announced the President of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes that this is the first step towards lasting peace.
Both Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not participate in Wednesday’s talks in London, which will include representatives from the USA, Ukraine, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom – although they had previously planned to be present.
The US delegation will be led by Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. The mentioned document is to be one of the discussion points.
