US Proposals for Peace Talks in London

The US is preparing to present its proposals during peace talks in London aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. A significant focus will be on the recognition of Crimea's annexation by Russia and the potential ceasefire.

Source: publication The Washington Post, as reported by "European Truth".

According to sources, the proposals from the US include officially recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and lifting sanctions against Russia as part of a future agreement.

In exchange, the US expects Moscow to cease military actions in Ukraine, the report states.

An unnamed advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that while some American proposals align with Kyiv’s stance, there are others that are not acceptable.

A Western official described the pressure from the US on Ukraine as "overwhelming".

A State Department representative denied that Washington is placing Kyiv in a difficult position, but increasing dissatisfaction within the Trump administration regarding the pace of negotiations raises concerns in Kyiv about future relations with Washington.

French, British, and German diplomats are expected to insist that any agreement includes security guarantees and post-war recovery programs, potentially funded by frozen Russian assets.

Privately, European and Ukrainian officials acknowledge that Ukraine is unlikely to regain control over Russian-occupied territories soon. At best, they hope to slow down any rush to finalize a peace agreement, allowing Moscow to maintain its seized territories and escape sanctions.

Last week in Paris, the US presented its proposals to Ukraine, which were perceived as Washington's final offer before considering withdrawing from the peace process.

The proposal to recognize Crimea as Russian appeared after Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff visited Moscow for a lengthy meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

One insider referred to this proposal as "Witkoff's idea" to have the US recognize Crimea as Russian without forcing Ukraine to do the same.

The State Department declined to comment on specific proposals made during the negotiations.

"The only document shared in Paris was a list of potential options for discussion and feedback," noted a department spokesperson.

In recent weeks, European leaders have become more actively involved in peace negotiations, which is an improvement compared to the initial talks held by the Trump team with the Russians that excluded Ukrainians. Now, efforts will be made in London and beyond to leverage their influence in favor of Ukraine.

As WP points out, Europe has certain levers of influence, including billions in confiscated or frozen Russian assets that could be returned or used to fund post-war recovery programs.

Meanwhile, the European Union is offering member states a coordinated approach to enhance their sanctions programs.

President Trump stated on Monday that he would unveil the details of his proposed "peace plan" for the war in Ukraine this week.

A meeting will take place in London on April 23, where the US, Ukraine, and its European allies will discuss steps towards a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Ukrainian delegation will include Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, Andriy Sybiha, and Pavlo Palisa.