The US is asking Ukraine to recognize Russia’s control over territories that have understood
‘The US final proposal asks Ukraine To recognize Russian occupation in its territories, ”is the title of his reportage Axios news websiterevealing the American « peace plan » in which Kiev is called upon to answer today.
The plan includes Crimea’s official recognition (de jure) as part of Russian territory and the de facto recognition of Moscow’s domination in the territories it paid after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
It still excludes Ukraine’s involvement in NATO but leaves open the possibility of joining the EU, while for security guarantees it provides for the development of European forces, which has so far rejected Russia.
The US presented to Kiev its – one -page – proposal last week as Trump’s final bid on the warning that if Washington is not agreement, it will leave the negotiations.
A source adjacent to the Ukrainian government told Axios that Kiev considers the proposal as extremely favorable to Russia: « The proposal is very clearly saying what tangible profits Russia will have, but only indefinitely and generally what Ukraine will get. »
With pink color the soils owned by Russia from the invasion of 2022, source: Axios
What does the proposal predict
US proposal provides for Russia:
- « De Jure » recognition by the US of Russian control in Crimea (was annexed to Russia in the 2014 war).
- « De Facto recognition » of the Russian occupation almost the entire Lugansk region and the occupied parts of Donetsk, Hersona and Zaporizia.
- The promise that Ukraine will not become a member of NATO. The text notes that Ukraine could become a member of the European Union.
- The removal of sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014.
- Enhanced economic cooperation with the US, especially in the energy and industrial sector
About Ukraine the text states:
- « A strong security guarantee » involving an ad hoc group of European countries and possibly non -European countries. The document is unclear in the way this peace operation operates and does not mention any US participation.
- The return of the small section of the Harkov region that Russia has occupied.
- The unhindered crossing of the Dniepero River, which runs the front line in parts of southern Ukraine.
- Compensation and assistance for rebuilding, although the document does not mention where funding will come from.
American control in Zaporizia
Other points in the proposal include the operating status of the Zaporizia nuclear power plant and the US -Ukraine mineral agreement.
Specifically for the Nuclear power plant in Zaporizia – the largest in Europe – the US proposal says it will be considered Ukrainian territory but will operate under US control, while electricity will be provided to both Ukraine and Russia.
The document-proposal still refers to the US-Ukraine agreement on minerals, which, as Trump said, will be signed on Thursday.
The plan was drawn up after the meeting of Trump’s envoy, Steve Whitkov, with Putin who lasted for more than four hours last week.
Following the presentation of the plan, Putin offered to stop Russia’s invasion along today’s front lines as part of a possible agreement, the FT said.
This is the biggest gesture than Putin so far showing that he is willing to stop the conflict, but European officials remain cautious.
Today the Ukrainian delegation will meet in London with US, France and Britain delegations and it seems that Washington will push to receive a response.
According to Axios, the meeting will be absent from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkov despite being planned to attend. Instead, the American delegation will be led by the envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kogg.
The degradation of American presence in today’s discussions seems to have to do with the fact that Ukraine is trying to use the meeting to persuade a 30 -day truce and not to respond to the ultimatum proposal. The American side, however, insists that the answers should be given today.
