Putin's plan assumes the unilateral concession of Ukraine – the dedication of her territory in Donbas – which according to “WSJ”, immediately met with a negative reaction of European leaders. At the same time, Donald Trump, in response to the Russian leader's proposal, withdrew from earlier plans to tighten the sanctions against Russia and agreed to meet Putin, planned for August 15 in Alaska. Importantly, the President of Ukraine Wołodymyr Zelanski was not invited to this event.
Read also: “Forced Russia to the room.” Only then will Trump deserve a Nobel Peace Prize
Red Line of Europe
European leaders have decided to answer together. The diary quotes sources that emphasize that The European answer is aimed at establishing a “red line”. Its exceeding, according to information, is unacceptable during any peaceful negotiations. The European proposal assumes that the suspension of weapons must be the first step before any peace process begins. In addition, it is believed that border changes may only be possible on the basis of mutual concessions of both sides. As European sources emphasize, every concession of Ukraine should be associated with clear security guarantees, which also includes the potential membership of this country in NATO.
One of the European negotiators explained that the key condition for starting talks is to complete the suspension of hostilities, determining all other approach as impossible to accept. The negotiator pointed out that this process could not take place in a situation where Ukraine under pressure would reflect territories.
Talks with the Americans
The European project was the subject of talks with high American officials, including the US Vice President JD Vance and the Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Finally, the proposal was also presented to the special envoys of President Trump, Keith Kellog and Steve Witkoff, who previously participated in the meeting with Vladimir Putin.
“Wall Street Journal” draws attention to understatements and confusion arising from American-Russian conversations. Vladimir Putin, via Witkoff, expressed the demand for unilaterally withdrawal of Ukraine from the Donetsk region, which deviated from the earlier interpretation presented to European leaders by Trump. Weekly diplomatic treatments were aimed at determining the factual intentions of the Kremlin, which eventually explained the latest phone calls with Witkoff.
European diplomats openly admit that Putin's real plan was less favorable than his previous presentation by the US President. “When it became clear what the Kremlin intends, the proposal was unanimously rejected by European leaders and President Zelanski” – writes” WSJ “.
