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Amid ongoing efforts to broker a resolution to the conflict, US Vice President JD Vance asserted Wednesday that a deal between Moscow and Kyiv is imperative, cautioning that Washington might discontinue its ceasefire endeavors if progress stalls. Vance’s statement underscores the urgency with which the US views the Ukraine peace talks and its willingness to reassess its involvement should negotiations remain unproductive.
US Urges Russia and Ukraine to Reach Agreement
‘We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say yes, or for the United States to walk away from this process,’ Vance told reporters in India, where he is on a four-day visit.
Washington’s Proposal to End Conflict
Vance’s remarks coincided with discussions in Britain among representatives from Washington, Kyiv, and various European nations, reflecting a renewed American initiative to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war.
‘It’s now time, I think, to take, if not the final step, one of the final steps, which is, at a broad level, the party saying we’re going to stop the killing, we’re going to freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today,’ Vance added.
Territorial Concessions Required
‘Now, of course, that means the Ukrainians and the Russians are both going to have to give up some of the territory they currently own,’ he added, highlighting the compromises necessary for a potential resolution.
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Trump’s Peace Plan and Challenges
Former US President Donald Trump previously pledged to secure an accord between Moscow and Kyiv within 24 hours but has, as yet, been unsuccessful in obtaining concessions from President Vladimir Putin.
- Trump suggested an unconditional cessation of hostilities in March, a principle accepted by Kyiv, but turned down by Putin.
- The White House commended a separate consensus by both sides to suspend assaults on energy infrastructure for 30 days, but the Kremlin considers that moratorium expired.
Ukraine Peace Talks Face Uncertainty
The current status of Ukraine peace talks is somewhat precarious, stemming from recent developments, including Marco Rubio’s absence from a London summit with allies. Originally slated to participate in discussions with David Lammy and other European officials, the US Secretary of State’s last-minute withdrawal prompted a shift to meetings at the official level. This came after Kyiv reportedly rejected a US request to recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea.
Details of Trump’s Proposed Deal
Details of Donald Trump’s ‘peace’ plan have been gradually emerging. The preliminary indications suggest that the former president seeks:
- An immediate ceasefire.
- US acknowledgment of Crimea as Russian territory.
- De facto recognition of other areas seized from Ukraine since the recent invasion.
Potential Terms and European Concerns
Furthermore, the prospective arrangement encompasses the removal of all sanctions imposed on Moscow, a prohibition on Kyiv joining NATO, and an agreement from Volodymyr Zelensky to allow US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, as reported. In exchange, Russia might withdraw from regions near the Dnieper River and parts of Kherson province. The status of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant remains unclear.
This framework is expected to trigger concern among European governments, who have been advocating for a stronger stance against Vladimir Putin and urging America to guarantee security.
US Delegation Shifts and Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Mr. Trump has hinted at potentially withdrawing from the entire process if an agreement is not promptly achieved. Keith Kellogg, the president’s representative for Ukraine and Russia, is now representing Washington in the London talks instead of Mr. Rubio. Steve Witkoff, another Trump envoy who has been actively involved in negotiations, is scheduled to return to Moscow this week.
Zelensky’s Position on Crimea
Mr. Zelensky has consistently refused to relinquish Crimea, which Russia invaded in 2014, and has called for an unconditional ceasefire as the starting point for negotiations to end the conflict.
‘This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine,’ the president stated.
He told reporters: ‘If we are ready for an unconditional ceasefire – it means silence at sea, in the air, and at the front, on the ground – Ukraine is ready to take the relevant steps.’
UK’s Role and Continued Dialogue
In anticipation of Wednesday’s discussions, Mr. Lammy sought to project confidence, noting that he had a ‘productive call’ with Mr. Rubio.
He affirmed: ‘The UK is working with the US, Ukraine, and Europe to put an end to Putin’s illegal invasion.’
Mr. Rubio indicated that the US delegation, now without him, was ‘looking forward to substantive and good technical meetings with Ukrainian and UK counterparts’ and mentioned that he would be ‘rescheduling my trip to the UK in the coming months’.