“The American side officially submitted a draft document to the President of Ukraine, which – according to its assessment – may give a new impetus to diplomatic activities” – said in a statement posted on social media by Zelensky's office.
The message also noted that the Ukrainian president “presented key issues important for the Ukrainian nation, a During today's talks, it was agreed to continue work on individual points of the plan in order to create conditions for a dignified end to the war” with Russia.
US Secretary of State on the need for realistic proposals for Ukraine and Russia
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that ending the war in Ukraine will require both sides of the conflict to accept difficult but necessary compromises. His post appeared on social media shortly after global media reports about an alleged new peace plan being negotiated between the United States and Russia.
Rubio stressed that a conflict as complex and devastating as the one taking place in Ukraine requires “comprehensive exchange of serious and realistic ideas“As he noted, the US administration is working on a catalog of proposals that could lead to an end to the war, and will develop it taking into account the expectations of both sides.
Controversy surrounding the alleged peace plan
On Wednesday, Axios and the Financial Times reported about peace plan, which – according to their sources – Washington was to negotiate with Moscow and try to impose on Kiev. This plan would include, among others: giving Russia the remaining part of the unoccupied Donbas, limiting Ukraine's military potential and drastically reducing the size of its army. Axios also reported that the United States would recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea and Donbas.
These reports caused immediate response in Congress. Portal Hill wrote that even politicians considered Ukraine's allies were surprised by this information. The said document is expected to cover 28 points, though its content has not been officially confirmed.
Reactions in Congress and expectations towards the US
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham admitted he didn't know what exactly the “28-point plan” was, but expressed satisfaction that the administration was working on any proposal. He also emphasized that any peace solution must be based on tough US military guarantees for Ukraine and actions limiting Russia's ability to finance the war.
Graham hopes that the plan will become an impulse to adopt new sanctions against countries that do business with Moscow. As he argued, only when the Kremlin and its allies recognize the US determination to increase military aid to Ukraine, enable it to strike Russian targets more effectively, and deepen the economic costs for those supporting the Russian war machine, can the peace plan have a real chance of success.
“When they understand that we are serious, this plan will work,” the senator concluded.
