**US Peace Efforts in Ukraine Hit Roadblock as Putin Rejects 22-Point Ceasefire Plan**
The fragile peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have hit a major snag, with Russian President Vladimir Putin rejecting a 22-point ceasefire plan drafted by the US, Ukraine, and European leaders. According to sources close to the negotiations, Putin’s officials told US special envoy Steve Witkoff that the Russian leader would not engage in discussions about the plan, which aimed to secure an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
The news comes as a major blow to US efforts to mediate the conflict, with President Trump’s administration shifting its policy towards Russia since January. The change in approach has seen the US pause aid to Ukraine and push for talks with no demands on Moscow. Witkoff, the US special envoy, has been instrumental in echoing Russian demands after meetings with Putin.
**Istanbul Talks Collapse without Putin**
Despite efforts by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage Putin in direct talks, the Russian leader refused to attend. Instead, he sent a low-level delegation led by former culture minister Vladimir Medinsky. The meeting on 10 May lasted less than two hours and resulted only in an agreement on a prisoner-of-war swap, without any progress towards a ceasefire.
The collapse of the Istanbul talks has sparked frustration among European leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron stating that Russia had “no interest in a ceasefire” and warning new sanctions were forthcoming. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also chimed in, saying that Putin must pay the price for avoiding peace. Together with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the four leaders issued a joint statement calling Russia’s position “unacceptable.”
**Washington’s Ambiguous Stance Raises Concerns**
The US administration has been criticized for its ambiguous stance on the conflict, failing to directly condemn Moscow despite growing frustration with both sides. Secretary Marco Rubio said that President Trump was willing to stick with the current approach as long as it takes to achieve peace, but warned that the US would not continue meetings that are not productive.
A senior Ukrainian official likened the standoff to a game of blackjack, where Putin holds a strong but risky hand. If he draws one more card, he could go “bust.” The comment highlights the delicate balance of power in the negotiations and the risks involved in continued US engagement with Russia.
**What’s Next?**
As the peace talks remain stalled, it remains to be seen what next steps will be taken by all parties involved. Will Putin’s rejection of the 22-point ceasefire plan have any lasting impact on the conflict, or will he continue to push for more concessions from Ukraine and the international community? The world watches with bated breath as this complex and volatile situation continues to unfold.
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