The diplomatic stage is set for a critical week in the Ukraine conflict, with the Kremlin confirming a visit from US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. This comes after US officials met with their Ukrainian counterparts to discuss a controversial peace proposal put forward by former President Donald Trump, a plan that has faced significant criticism for appearing to favour Russian interests.
The Trump Peace Proposal: A Contentious Framework
Last week, details of Donald Trump's plan to end the war were made public, sparking immediate debate. The proposal has been heavily criticised for its concessions to Moscow. Under its terms, Russia would be allowed to keep the entire eastern Donbas region, a significant land grab that includes the more than ten percent of the territory currently under Ukrainian control.
Furthermore, the plan demands a substantial reduction in Ukraine's military capacity. Kyiv would be forced to shrink its armed forces from approximately 880,000 troops down to 600,000, a move that would severely limit its defensive capabilities. Despite the contentious nature of the proposal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated after weekend meetings in Geneva that the plan might be 'workable', though he stressed that many points require resolution.
Kremlin's Cautious Reception and Ongoing Hostilities
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia is ready for 'serious' peace talks and suggested that Trump's proposals could form a basis for future agreements. However, he was quick to temper expectations, clarifying that there are currently no 'final versions' of any deal.
Adding a layer of complexity to the diplomatic proceedings, Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign affairs adviser, insisted that Kremlin officials have not officially received the initial US peace proposal. He revealed, however, that the Kremlin has seen a copy obtained through unofficial back channels.
Even as diplomatic manoeuvres continue, the violence on the ground persists. Overnight, Russia launched a drone attack on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia. The assault resulted in at least 50 buildings being damaged and left 19 people wounded, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict that any peace plan must ultimately halt.
A Precarious Path Forward
The upcoming talks in Moscow between Special Envoy Witkoff and Russian officials represent a pivotal moment. The international community will be watching closely to see if the framework proposed by Trump can be transformed into a viable and just peace, or if the significant concessions it demands from Ukraine will prove too great an obstacle. With President Zelensky expressing a tentative openness and President Putin signalling a willingness to engage, the door to negotiations is ajar, but the path to a lasting resolution remains fraught with challenges.
