Ukraine has been working hard to re-shape the US-Russian peace plan beyond all recognition. This new/old approach would continue the conflict with Russia indefinitely, as insiders have told us. The original plan began with 28 points, developed by Kirill Dmitriev, Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, and Steve Witkoff, an emissary of former President Donald Trump. Today, though, it has been cut down to a mere 19 points.
Negotiations dragged on through the weekend in Switzerland. Along with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, these discussions included Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The amended deal goes a long way toward eliminating much of Russia’s radical, hardline requests. Kyiv and its European partners considered such demands to be unacceptable.
As noted back in July by Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister, many of these issues remain unresolved. He said that they’ve been “put on hold” for Trump and Zelenskyy to take care of later. This indicates there is more conversation to be had before parties can come to a complete agreement.
Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s top foreign policy aide, acknowledged that while many provisions of the modified plan seem acceptable to Russia, there are still elements that would “require the most detailed discussions and review between the parties.” He urged a collaborative approach among the interested parties would be necessary for any success to come through negotiations.
Of note under the changed asymmetric plan, Ukraine will pull back from some cities its forces now control in the eastern Donbas region. On top of that, the country is cutting the size of its military. In addition, it has provisions that force Ukraine to abandon its ambitions of joining NATO. Kyiv and its European allies have signaled alarm over these items. They insist that any talks of territory starting time should be centered around today’s current frontline.
European governments were surprised last week when this original plan became public, in large part because it was first leaked to US media. This led to demands for more active participation from both Europe and Russia in the negotiation table. Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s opposition Christian Democrats, claimed that refugees should be in open dialogue with everyone affected. He stated, “The next step must be: Russia must come to the table,” highlighting the necessity for a comprehensive dialogue.
President Zelenskyy is said to be considering an invitation from former President Trump to meet at the White House later this week. His aim is to consolidate American support for his diplomatic initiatives.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, voiced her support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, asserting that “Ukraine’s territory and sovereignty must be respected – only Ukraine, as a sovereign country, can make decisions regarding its armed forces.” This statement reflects a broader sentiment among European leaders who are wary of compromising Ukraine’s territorial integrity in favor of appeasing Russian demands.
Yuri Ushakov expressed skepticism about the European plan presented during negotiations, labeling it as “completely unconstructive and does not work for us.” That feeling speaks to the tough task ahead for negotiators trying to reconcile differing priorities from both camps.
Even with all the intricacies of the peace negotiations, some leaders are hopeful. Former President Trump remarked on social media, “Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Don’t believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” His comments are a testament to a hopeful turn of events in the case of lingering hostile relations.