During negotiations in London, the US will present an initiative aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including a proposal to recognize Crimea as part of Russia and freeze military actions.
Source: publication by The Washington Post, as reported by "European Truth".
Details: According to sources, the US presented plans to Ukraine last week that include recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and the potential lifting of sanctions in exchange for Moscow halting its aggression.
The US believes that such an agreement could encourage Moscow to cease military operations in Ukraine, as stated in the article.
An unnamed advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine noted that the American proposals contain both acceptable and unacceptable elements for Kyiv.
A Western official expressed concern that the pressure the US is applying on Ukraine is excessive.
A State Department representative denied that Washington is trying to force Kyiv into accepting conditions, but the growing dissatisfaction within the Trump administration regarding the pace of negotiations raises fears in Ukraine about future relations with Washington.
Representatives from France, the UK, and Germany are expected to insist that any agreement includes security mechanisms and recovery programs, possibly funded by frozen Russian assets.
European and Ukrainian officials privately acknowledge that it is unlikely Ukraine will regain control over Russian-occupied territories in the near future. They hope only to slow down the rush to finalize any agreement, allowing Moscow to retain conquered lands and evade sanctions.
In previous talks in Paris, the US presented its proposals, which the Ukrainian side viewed as the last chance before a possible withdrawal from the peace process.
The US proposals, including the recognition of Crimea as Russian, emerged after a meeting between Trump's special envoy, Stephen Witkoff, and Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
One source familiar with the proposal described it as Witkoff's idea, aiming for the US to recognize Crimea as Russian without forcing Ukraine to comply.
The State Department declined to comment on the specifics of the proposals presented at the negotiations.
A department representative stated that only potential options for discussion were shared.
In recent weeks, European leaders have become more actively involved in peace negotiations, marking an improvement compared to the initial talks between the Trump team and the Russians, which did not include Ukrainian representatives. Now, efforts will be made in London to support Ukraine.
As WP notes, Europe has certain leverage, including billions of confiscated or frozen Russian assets that could be used to finance recovery programs.
Meanwhile, the European Union is proposing a coordinated approach for member states to strengthen their sanctions program.
President Trump stated on Monday that he will unveil the details of his proposed "peace plan" for the conflict in Ukraine this week.
A meeting will take place in London on April 23, where the US, Ukraine, and its European allies will discuss steps towards a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Ukrainian delegation will include Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, Andriy Sibiga, and Pavlo Palisa.