Kremlin forces intensified their attacks on Ukraine shortly after Kyiv welcomed significant European adjustments to the controversial 28-point US peace proposal. The latest assaults targeted the Zaporizhzhia region, with missiles hitting numerous residential buildings, causing fires, and injuring at least 19 civilians in retaliatory strikes.
Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s confirmation of modifications to the pro-Kremlin peace recommendations, it was revealed that the original US peace plan, believed to have Kremlin influence, restricted Ukraine’s military size, ceded territory to Russia, and prohibited Ukraine from joining NATO. However, the revised deal now includes provisions that remove restrictions on Kyiv’s military capacity, advocate for a ceasefire ahead of a final peace agreement, and avoid territorial concessions to Russia, fostering a more optimistic outlook for peace talks.
In a related development, it was disclosed that Steve Witkoff, a key negotiator for President Donald Trump, advised a Vladimir Putin aide on presenting the pro-Kremlin plan. This revelation sheds light on Trump’s inconsistent stance regarding support for Ukraine and apparent favoritism towards Putin’s military objectives.
Witkoff’s discussion with Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, included suggestions for a Trump-Putin call and emphasizing common ground on peace initiatives, with Ushakov agreeing to congratulate Trump on his peace efforts. Ushakov neither disputed the authenticity of the recordings nor confirmed their source, highlighting the upcoming meeting between Witkoff and Putin to refine the peace plan.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon criticized Witkoff’s apparent bias towards Russia, calling for his dismissal and questioning his trustworthiness in negotiating peace agreements. The plan, initially biased towards Russian demands, was perceived as a hindrance to Ukraine’s sovereignty and NATO aspirations.
In response to the controversy, White House communications director Steven Cheung defended Witkoff’s engagement with Russian and Ukrainian officials as part of his peacekeeping mandate under President Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintained that the peace proposal was a collaborative effort involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine.
The evolving peace negotiations underscore the complexity of international relations and the challenges of balancing conflicting interests in the pursuit of lasting peace.