In a significant diplomatic development, a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin has outright rejected recent amendments to a proposed Ukraine peace plan, despite admitting he had not read the new proposals.
Ushakov Dismisses Amendments Unseen
Yuri Ushakov, a key foreign policy adviser to Vladimir Putin, stated that the suggested changes to the controversial peace blueprint would not enhance the document or improve the prospects for a lasting resolution to the conflict. The original plan, which Mr Ushakov helped draft, has been widely criticised for its perceived pro-Russia stance.
Remarkably, Mr Ushakov conceded during his remarks that he had not yet reviewed the amended proposals. His dismissal came following what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as a "constructive engagement" in Florida involving US special envoy Steve Witkoff and European negotiators.
Florida Talks Yield 'Constructive' Progress
The discussions in Florida, held on Monday 22 December 2025, were characterised by Mr Witkoff as "productive and constructive." The talks involved Ukrainian officials and European mediators, focusing on a pathway to end the hostilities.
Mr Witkoff outlined the shared objectives emerging from the dialogue, which include:
- Ending active hostilities.
- Guaranteeing long-term security for the region.
- Establishing the necessary conditions for Ukraine's recovery and future stability.
Scepticism Over Three-Way Summit
Further complicating the diplomatic landscape, Mr Ushakov expressed deep scepticism regarding the likelihood of a proposed three-way summit involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine. This casts doubt on one potential avenue for high-level negotiations.
The swift rejection from Moscow, prior to a detailed review of the amended plan, underscores the significant challenges facing the peace process. It highlights the entrenched positions and the delicate diplomacy required to navigate a conflict with profound global implications.
