Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly rejected significant components of a recent U.S. proposal aimed at ending the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This declaration suggests that a resolution to the war is still far from being achieved.
U.S. Diplomatic Efforts on Ukraine Conflict
President Donald Trump has initiated a diplomatic surge to halt the fighting, marking the most vigorous effort since Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly four years ago. However, the negotiations are facing obstacles, primarily concerning territorial concessions and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Details of U.S. Proposal Discussions
- Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner held talks with Putin.
- Meetings with the Ukrainian delegation led by Rustem Umerov took place at Shell Bay Club in Florida.
- The discussions were considered “necessary” yet challenging, with some parts of the proposal being labeled unacceptable by Putin.
Putin’s Assessment of U.S. Proposals
Putin noted that the initial 28-point U.S. peace proposal was reduced to 27 and categorized into four sections. However, he did not provide specific details on what Russia may accept or reject, stating it was too early for such assessments.
During a media interaction before departing for a state visit in India, Putin remarked that the discussions had been comprehensive and involved addressing nearly every point put forth by the U.S. He indicated that while some aspects could be explored, others were non-negotiable.
Ongoing Military Actions in Ukraine
As diplomatic engagements unfolded, Russia intensified its military operations in Ukraine. Recent attacks included:
- A missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, injuring six, including a young girl.
- Destruction of over 40 residential buildings and a school due to the missile attack.
- Continuing artillery attacks in Kherson, resulting in casualties, including the death of a child.
The regional military administration reported that drone strikes and artillery shelling have disrupted energy infrastructure, including the Kherson Thermal Power Plant, which ceased operations due to continuous attacks.
International Reactions
European leaders are growing concerned about being sidelined in the U.S.-Russia negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to garner support for initiating pressure on Russia towards a ceasefire. Xi emphasized China’s support for peace efforts without directly responding to France’s proposals.
Conclusion
The ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict remains fraught with challenges. While diplomatic efforts are underway, military actions persist, complicating the path to peace. The situation continues to evolve, with international stakeholders monitoring developments closely.
