**US Not Pushing for Ukraine’s Demilitarization as Part of Peace Deal, Reuters Reports**
In a significant development in the ongoing peace talks between the US and Russia over Ukraine, American officials have reportedly not called for reducing Ukraine’s military capabilities. Instead, Washington has expressed support for a European peacekeeping force in the country.
This stance is a departure from Moscow’s demands, which have included a reduction of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and opposition to NATO members participating in a peacekeeping mission. According to two undisclosed diplomatic sources, cited by Reuters on April 23, the US position reflects a shift away from Russia’s conditions for a ceasefire.
However, the US proposal has not been without controversy. The “final” ceasefire plan, presented last week to Ukrainian officials, reportedly demands significant concessions from Ukraine. One such concession includes recognizing Russian control over Crimea and occupied territories in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts as legitimate.
**Ukraine Rejects Russia’s Demands**
The Ukrainian government has already rejected any suggestion of recognizing Russian control over Crimea as legal. President Volodymyr Zelensky made it clear that “Crimea is Ukraine,” emphasizing the importance of the international community not recognizing it as Russian territory.
In light of this, top US and European diplomats have reportedly skipped the upcoming talks in London on April 23. The meeting will now take place at a lower level and in a closed format, with Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg leading the US delegation.
**Russian Attacks Continue**
Meanwhile, fighting continues across Ukrainian regions, with Russian attacks resulting in the deaths of at least four civilians and injuries to at least 88 people, including children. In another incident, a drone attack on Marhanets in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast killed nine people and injured 30 others.
**Analysis: What Does it Mean?**
This development highlights the complexities of peace talks between the US and Russia over Ukraine. The fact that the US is not pushing for demilitarization suggests that Washington is seeking a compromise, rather than imposing its own conditions on Ukraine.
However, the inclusion of significant concessions in the US proposal raises questions about whether Ukraine will be able to negotiate on an equal footing with Russia. Moreover, the rejection by top diplomats highlights deep divisions within the international community over how to address the conflict.
**Commentary**
The absence of key players at the London talks underscores the contentious nature of these negotiations. The fact that Washington’s proposal demands significant concessions from Ukraine also raises concerns about whether Kiev will be able to maintain its sovereignty in a deal with Russia.
Ultimately, finding a lasting peace in Ukraine requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the needs and interests of all parties involved. As Anastasiia Blyshchyk, spokesperson for Ukraine’s 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade, noted, “This so-called truce did more damage to us.”
Only through genuine dialogue and a willingness to compromise can we hope to break this cycle of violence and find a path towards lasting peace in Ukraine.
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