told us was that this was not the American proposal.” This account directly contradicts statements from the State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, who said Rounds’s account of his conversation with Rubio was “blatantly false.”
Details and Reactions to the Draft Plan
The draft peace plan includes several controversial provisions. Among them is Ukraine agreeing to withdraw troops from eastern areas that Russia has been unable to take by force, and limiting the size of its armed forces. These terms have raised concerns among Ukrainian allies who fear they could make their country more vulnerable to Russian aggression.
Speaking at the G20 summit in South Africa, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for any agreement to guarantee security for “all Europeans.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed these sentiments, stating that “we are still quite a long way from a good outcome for everyone.”
Negotiations and Pressure on Ukraine
Despite the controversy, US President Donald Trump has called for Kyiv to quickly approve the proposal. However, Ukraine’s allies have pushed back, issuing a joint statement at the G20 summit that said the plan “would leave Ukraine vulnerable to attack.” The statement also warned that while it included elements essential for a just and lasting peace, further work was needed.
The plan has not been made public, but details of its provisions have been widely leaked. It is believed to include Ukrainian troops withdrawing from areas in eastern Ukraine under Russian control and the de facto annexation of Donetsk and Luhansk regions by Russia. The document also suggests freezing the borders of Ukraine’s southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions along current battle lines, both partially occupied by Russia.
Preparations for Geneva Talks
Rubio is set to fly to Geneva in Switzerland on Sunday alongside security officials from the UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine. These talks are crucial as they aim to finalize a peace plan that could bring an end to the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that his head of office Andriy Yermak will lead the country’s negotiating team for future talks.
The situation remains tense, with both sides showing varying degrees of commitment to the peace plan. As negotiations continue, all parties involved must navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and balance competing interests in pursuit of a lasting resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
