US proposes Crimea deal in bid to end Ukraine conflict
The US administration is planning another meeting with Russia to discuss the terms of ending the conflict. The United States' proposals include a ceasefire along the front line. Will the Kremlin agree to Washington's version?
What do you need to know?
- President Donald Trump's administration plans to organise another meeting between special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian representatives to persuade Moscow to accept the American terms for ending the war.
- The US proposal includes recognising Russian control over Crimea and a ceasefire along the front line. Details of this proposal have been presented to European and Ukrainian partners in Paris.
- Talks about the proposal also took place by telephone between US Secretary of State Mark Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
What are the key points of the US proposal?
The Trump administration aims to recognise Russian control of Crimea as part of its proposal to end the conflict with Ukraine. As part of this initiative, the US also proposes a ceasefire along the front line. These key points have been discussed with European and Ukrainian partners in Paris and communicated to the Russians during a telephone conversation.
Will Russia accept the US terms?
Another meeting between special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian representatives is planned to persuade Moscow to accept the American terms. The US administration intends to work with European and Ukrainian partners to strengthen its position in the upcoming talks, which are scheduled to take place in London next week.
What will be the future of Crimea?
The US administration is considering recognising Crimea as part of Russia, which is intended to expedite peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is firmly opposed to giving up Crimea. Donald Trump and Marco Rubio have suggested that the US may end mediation if there is no quick progress in the talks.
Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014 following an invasion and a controversial referendum. The international community opposes recognising the peninsula as Russian and does not intend to legalise its annexation. Recognising Crimea as part of Russia would undermine international law.
For Vladimir Putin, recognising Crimea would be a significant victory, as he has long sought international acknowledgment of Russian authority over the peninsula. So far, Putin has rejected Trump's proposals for a broad peace agreement.
