US and Ukraine edge closer to joint plan to end war; Moscow's response remains uncertain
The US and Ukraine are nearing agreement on a jointly developed plan aimed at ending the ongoing war, although Moscow's response to the proposal remains uncertain.
Under the plan, Ukraine has accepted the principle of creating a demilitarised eastern zone accompanied by a Russian troop pullback. Details have been sent to President Vladimir Putin, and officials in Moscow are currently formulating their reply.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the plan could strengthen Ukraine. He warned that Moscow could face increased arms support and sanctions from the US if Putin rejects the proposal. US negotiators are expected to initiate contact with the Kremlin regarding the plan.
The proposal contemplates a withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from parts of the eastern front and Ukraine relinquishing its bid to join NATO. In return, the US and European allies would provide security guarantees, though the precise nature of these guarantees remains undefined.
The troop withdrawal would encompass the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv, with international troops assigned to monitor the contact line.
A working group will be established to determine troop redeployments and explore the establishment of possible special economic zones. Options under consideration include demilitarised zones or free economic zones. Any withdrawal of Ukrainian forces would require local referenda.
President Putin’s stated conditions include Ukraine ceding about 5,000 square kilometers of the Donbas region and renouncing its NATO aspirations. Russia insists on maintaining control of Donetsk. The Kremlin's overall reaction to the plan remains undecided. Meanwhile, Dmitriev briefed Putin in Miami on talks held with former US President Trump’s envoys.
