Ukraine-Russia peace plan faces hurdles
New Delhi, Nov 24: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia remains the “main problem” in ongoing discussions over a US-backed peace proposal.
His remarks came after weekend talks in Geneva between US and Ukrainian officials, which both sides described as “highly productive”, reports BBC.
In a video address to a conference in Sweden on Monday, Zelensky said President Vladimir Putin seeks “legal recognition for what he has stolen, to break the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty”. He reiterated that Ukraine would not accept any proposal that weakens its territorial claims, reports BBC. The 28-point peace proposal, which underwent “revisions and clarifications” in Geneva according to US officials, has drawn criticism from several European leaders. They argue that the plan appears overly favourable to Russia. Moscow has said it has not yet received any official update to the proposal. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine continue unabated. At least four people were killed in a drone strike on Kharkiv on Sunday, underscoring the ongoing intensity of the conflict.
European countries have struggled to assert a clear voice in what has largely become a US-led negotiation process. Many EU leaders are currently in Angola for meetings with African counterparts, further distancing them from the core peace talks. French President Emmanuel Macron warned over the weekend that Russia could again invade if Ukraine is pressured to reduce its military strength.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he had emphasised to US President Donald Trump in a phone call the grave consequences for Europe should Ukraine collapse following defeat. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, known for his close ties with Trump, said “major issues” still need resolution and revealed he had been in touch with Zelensky. He also signalled that EU and NATO members may pursue “a separate track” to safeguard their own interests, suggesting that America and Russia would not dictate Europe’s future. Ukraine is hoping that European leaders’ personal relationships with Trump might ultimately work in its favour, amid concerns that early elements of the peace process have tilted towards Moscow.
The Kremlin said on Monday it had not yet received an updated peace plan following the Geneva talks, reports BBC. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow was aware “some adjustments” had been made but added: “So far, we have not received anything officially.” He also noted there were no plans for any talks with a US delegation this week.
Diplomatic discussions meanwhile in Geneva have concluded after a full day of intensive talks on Sunday. Key negotiators, including US Senator Marco Rubio and UK security adviser Jonathan Powell left the city, and the Ukrainian delegation has returned to Kyiv. Rubio described the peace proposal as a “living, breathing document” that has been in development for three weeks and will continue to evolve. Speaking before his departure from Switzerland, he said: “We have all kinds of people on technical levels working full time on this. There are a handful of technical items that we expect answers from on or suggestions in the next 24 hours or so. So this is an ongoing process,” reports BBC. The US aimed to convene senior figures in Geneva to “iron out” key issues, with the Secretary of State noting that “great strides” had been made. Delegates are now expected to brief their respective leaders as diplomatic efforts continue.
