**US Envoy Reveals New Peace Plan for Ukraine and Russia**
On April 14, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff shared his recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin with the media. According to Witkoff, their discussions were “compelling” and centered around a possible peace deal based on the status of five territories.
Witkoff, who met with Putin in St. Petersburg on April 11, described the meeting as productive. He claimed that Putin expressed a desire for “a permanent peace,” although it took some time to get to this point. The proposed peace deal is said to be about these five territories, but Witkoff hinted at a broader strategic ambition tied to business incentives.
**The Five Territories: Crimea and Occupied Oblasts**
While not naming the territories directly, Witkoff appeared to refer to Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, and four partially occupied oblasts – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Moscow declared the annexation of these regions in 2022.
Witkoff’s comments have sparked concern among Ukraine’s allies, who fear that recognizing Russian control over these territories would set a dangerous precedent for future territorial concessions.
**Criticism Over Kremlin Talking Points**
Some US officials have raised alarms over Witkoff’s approach to diplomacy. The Wall Street Journal reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg are urging President Donald Trump to resist territorial concessions to Moscow.
Witkoff has drawn criticism for adopting Kremlin talking points, particularly regarding the nature of Russia’s occupation and the prospects of trading territory for peace. His proposal to recognize Russian control over four occupied regions as a way to secure a ceasefire mirrors Kremlin demands and has sparked concern among Kyiv’s allies.
**Ceasefire Efforts Continue**
Despite ceasefire efforts, Russia continues to reject the full 30-day ceasefire proposal backed by the United States and supported by Ukraine. A partial truce covering energy infrastructure has repeatedly been violated by Russian forces.
Witkoff’s comments have reignited concerns about the direction of the Trump administration’s diplomacy towards Russia and Ukraine. As tensions remain high, it remains to be seen whether this proposed peace plan can bring a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
