Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautiously responded to a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict. This 28-point proposal, which includes several of Russia’s longstanding demands, was presented to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Putin referred to it as a “modernized plan” and suggested it could be the foundation for a peace settlement, though he emphasized that it has not been thoroughly discussed with Russia, indicating that Ukraine’s agreement is essential.
The U.S. plan appears to demand significant concessions from Ukraine, such as ceding more territory to Russia, downsizing its military, and abandoning NATO aspirations. In return, it vaguely proposes security guarantees for Ukraine and outlines the potential allocation of $100 billion from frozen Russian assets for reconstruction.
President Zelenskyy has expressed serious doubts regarding the plan, stating that Ukraine faces a challenging decision between maintaining its dignity and potentially losing a key international partner. He criticized the proposal for asking for unacceptable concessions, including the surrender of more territory than currently controlled by Russia, and reaffirmed his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. He warned of a bleak future characterized by a lack of freedom and justice.
The U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, has set a deadline for Ukraine to respond by next Thursday, though Trump indicated that an extension could be granted if progress is made. Meanwhile, European leaders from Germany, France, and the UK have reiterated the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty in any negotiations, cautioning that rewarding aggressors could set a concerning precedent for Europe. As diplomatic pressures mount, Ukraine remains at a pivotal junction in balancing international relations and its commitment to national integrity.
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