Ukraine Peace Talks: Russia's Response and Stance on US-Backed Proposals

Ukraine Peace Talks: What's Russia's Position?

• Upcoming Visit: US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Mixed Reactions: The Kremlin has expressed interest in some aspects of the unofficial peace plan it has seen, while other clauses require "serious analysis."
• Russian Warnings: The Kremlin spokesperson cautioned against jumping to conclusions that the conflict is nearing its end.
• Initial Ukrainian Support: Reports suggest Ukraine has expressed preliminary support for the US-led peace plan framework after talks with US officials in Abu Dhabi.
• Intense Negotiations: These developments follow meetings between US and Ukrainian officials in Geneva, where the initial peace plan was significantly revised.

Global attention is currently focused on Russia's response to the US-backed peace plan in Ukraine. This development comes as Ukraine appears willing to move forward with this proposed framework.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow next week for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the proposed peace plan will be discussed during these talks. However, Ushakov denied discussing any specific documents during a previous meeting between Russian and US officials in Abu Dhabi.

Ushakov indicated that Russia has not officially received a US-backed Ukrainian peace agreement draft, but has seen unofficial versions. Regarding this draft, the Kremlin expressed positivity towards some aspects, while other clauses require "serious analysis."

For his part, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov welcomed US efforts to push for peace proposals, but stressed that Moscow "will not compromise on key issues in resolving the Ukrainian problem."

Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned against jumping to conclusions that the conflict is nearing its end, considering it "too early to draw this conclusion."

Initial Ukrainian Support

Several media outlets reported that a Ukrainian delegation expressed initial support for the US-led peace plan framework after talks with US officials in Abu Dhabi, although key details are still being finalized.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that Kyiv is ready to move forward with the peace plan framework. US President Donald Trump stated that his country is "very close to reaching an agreement," adding that "progress is being made."

Intense Negotiations

These developments follow meetings between US and Ukrainian officials in Geneva, where significant amendments were made to the original peace plan proposed by Washington. Trump acknowledged that the plan, which was considered highly favorable to Russia, has been "modified based on additional opinions from both sides."

The most important question remains: will Russia agree to the revised peace plan? According to reports, officials from Kyiv and Moscow met with US officials in Abu Dhabi to discuss these developments.

For its part, the Kremlin remained silent about these talks, stating that it is "monitoring media reports." It pointed out that negotiations between the Americans and Ukrainians are still ongoing, and that the published text is subject to some amendments. The Kremlin added that it may officially contact the Americans at some point to obtain updated information.

The original plan, which did not involve Ukraine, included controversial provisions, such as requiring Ukraine to make territorial concessions and hand over parts of the eastern Donbass region occupied by Russian forces. It also included demands to reduce the size of the Ukrainian army by 50%, in addition to other proposals that touch on Ukrainian "red lines."

In conclusion, the developments related to the Ukrainian peace talks remain complex and uncertain, with many influencing factors that may determine the future of these negotiations.