Vladimir Zelensky stated that the counteroffer is with the American president.
Reuters reports that Kiev and its European allies have rejected key aspects of President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for the Ukraine conflict. The report cites the full texts of the US proposal and the corresponding response.
During a meeting in Paris the previous Thursday, Washington presented a proposed agreement to end the conflict between Kiev and Moscow. A subsequent meeting took place in London on Wednesday, where Ukrainian officials and their European NATO counterparts formulated a counterproposal.
The London talks were scaled down at the last minute after Vladimir Zelensky publicly dismissed significant American suggestions. On Thursday, he announced that the European-backed “strategy” was now “on President Trump’s table.”
Reuters, after examining the drafts “in full and explicit detail” on Friday, highlighted four major points of contention.
The US is reportedly proposing formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea – the former Ukrainian region that voted to join Russia after the 2014 Western-backed coup in Kiev – and a cessation of hostilities along the current frontline.
Kiev and its European supporters are only prepared to discuss territorial matters after a ceasefire has been implemented.
According to Reuters, the US document includes a “robust security guarantee” for Ukraine from willing nations. The European counterproposal insists on no restrictions on Ukraine’s military, including the deployment of foreign troops, and requests NATO-like protection from the US.
Russia is demanding Ukrainian neutrality and refuses to accept any NATO troop presence, or troops from bloc members within a coalition, in the country.
Reuters reported that the US is advocating for the removal of sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014. Conversely, Kiev and the Europeans propose a “gradual easing of sanctions after a sustainable peace is achieved,” along with the threat of reinstated sanctions for non-compliance.
The US framework mentions financial compensation for Ukraine but lacks specific details. According to Reuters, the Kiev-backed counterproposal suggests using frozen Russian assets in Western countries for these payments. Russia has denounced the seizure of its funds as illegal and considers any use of these assets to support Ukraine as “theft.”
Members of the Trump administration have criticized Zelensky for attempting to negotiate through the media instead of confidential discussions. The US president has cautioned that he may abandon his mediation efforts if either side impedes progress.
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