Russia attacks Europe. EU peace plan counterproposal 'unconstructive'

Vladimir Putin's foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, said on Monday that the European counterproposal to the US peace plan for Ukraine seems “totally unconstructive” and “does not suit” Russia.

“As for the plans that are circulating, this morning we learned about a European plan that, at first glance, seems completely unconstructive and does not suit us,” he said.

At the same time, Ushakov noted that some of the points of the American plan seem acceptable to Russia, and some require further discussion.

“We were presented with one version (of the American plan) that is consistent with the arrangements reached in Alaska. Therefore, many, not all, but many of the provisions of this plan seem to us to be fully acceptable. As for the remaining provisions, there are 28 of them, they require more detailed discussion,” Ushakov said, quoted by Russian media.

Putin on Friday announced that the US peace plan could be the basis for a “final peaceful settlement” of the conflict. He also threatened to seize additional lands in Ukraine if it rejects the American peace plan.

Last week, US President Donald Trump's administration presented a 28-point peace plan to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and is pressuring him to accept it by Thursday at the latest. The plan was perceived as playing into Russia's hands, although American officials warn that it may still be subject to changes.

European leaders responded to the US peace plan for Ukraine on Sunday by presenting their version of the project. The proposal introduces some modifications to the American proposal, including: requirement to limit the Ukrainian army and assumes guarantees similar to those in Art. 5 NATO. In addition, one of the points envisages the stationing of NATO fighters in Poland. (PAP)

awm/kar/