Ukraine is under significant international pressure to respond this week to a number of proposals put forward by the Russian administration regarding the resolution of the war in Ukraine. These ideas include a potential U.S. recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the exclusion of Kyiv from the list of NATO candidates. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing sources.
This is reported by Kyiv24
According to Western officials, these proposals were outlined in a confidential document presented to the Ukrainian delegation by senior officials of the Russian administration during a meeting in Paris on Thursday. Additionally, they were discussed with European diplomats during a one-day meeting. The U.S. is now awaiting a response from Kyiv, which is likely to be articulated during a scheduled meeting of American, Ukrainian, and European officials in London at the end of this week. If the positions of all parties align, the proposals are to be forwarded to Moscow.
Ukraine’s Reaction and International Negotiations
A senior U.S. State Department official recently described the ideas presented to the Ukrainian side as merely possible options for Kyiv to consider, rather than final proposals of “take it or leave it.” He stated that the “list of potential options” was provided solely for discussion and feedback. A representative of the National Security Council did not comment on this information.
Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the administration might suspend negotiations if substantial progress is not made on key issues in the coming weeks. This is estimated to serve as additional pressure on both Ukraine and Russia. Negotiations involving Ukraine, the U.S., France, the United Kingdom, and Germany regarding the end of the war took place in Paris, with the next round scheduled in London.
Following these negotiations, Russian President Vladimir Putin unexpectedly announced a “Easter ceasefire,” which led to a blame game between Ukraine and Russia over its violation. Ukraine proposed to temporarily refrain from using long-range drones and missiles against civilian infrastructure for 30 days or more, with the possibility of extension. The President of Ukraine emphasized that he responds to any actions by Russia with mirror measures, specifically – “in response to silence – silence, in response to Russian strikes – our strikes.”
The Kremlin noted that Putin did not give the order to extend the “Easter ceasefire” after midnight on April 21. Meanwhile, according to the American Institute for the Study of War, satellite-detected heat anomalies along the front line on April 20 may indicate military activity, although it is impossible to independently confirm violations.
Analysts emphasize that any ceasefire agreement, especially with limited conditions, must have clear monitoring mechanisms and defined timelines. They warn that the Kremlin may use vague agreements to evade responsibility for violations, blaming Ukraine for their non-compliance.