The United States has reportedly presented a peace plan to Ukraine, aimed at ending the conflict with Russia, according to sources cited by Reuters. The proposed framework allegedly requires Ukraine to cede control of the remaining parts of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) it still occupies, as well as significantly reduce its military presence in exchange for Western security guarantees.
The plan, which has been prepared without input from Ukraine or the European Union, also reportedly stipulates recognizing Russian as an official state language in Ukraine and granting official status to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. These conditions echo some of Moscow’s long-standing demands, sparking concerns about the potential implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
A senior Ukrainian official confirmed that the authorities in Kiev had received “signals” about the proposed peace plan, while an anonymous White House official suggested that the roadmap could be agreed upon by all parties to the conflict by the end of the month. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has not directly confirmed the media reports, but emphasized that “achieving a durable peace will require both sides to agree to difficult but necessary concessions.”
Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev expressed cautious optimism, stating that “we feel the Russian position is really being heard.” However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the significance of the development, saying that there was “nothing new” in Russia-US negotiations to end the conflict.
The European Union has pushed back against the US-proposed plan, insisting that any settlement must reflect the positions of both Brussels and Kiev. The EU’s response underscores the complexities of the conflict and the need for a negotiated solution that takes into account the interests of all parties involved.
The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, resulting in significant humanitarian and economic costs. A peaceful resolution would require careful consideration of the concerns and interests of all parties, including Ukraine, Russia, the US, and the EU. As the situation continues to unfold, international attention will remain focused on the negotiations and the potential for a lasting peace agreement.