**US Presents Plan for Lasting Peace in Ukraine, Russia, and Europe**
In a significant development, the United States has presented “outlines of a durable and lasting peace” to Ukraine, Russia, and Europe. This announcement was made by US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce on April 17.
According to Bruce, the US proposal was communicated to Ukrainian and European officials in Paris, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared the same message with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov over a phone call. The spokesperson stated that the proposal was welcomed in Paris, indicating a possible breakthrough in peace talks.
**Ukrainian President Welcomes Peace Proposal**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his support for the US-led peace initiative. In a statement, he emphasized that Ukraine is committed to reaching an agreement and ending the war. “We have been defending the freedom of Ukraine together,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in solidarity with Ukraine.
**Background on Peace Talks**
The US has led separate talks with Ukraine and Russia in Saudi Arabia to reach a ceasefire. However, Moscow has shown signs it is unwilling to move forward on a peace deal with Ukraine. Russian authorities have listed maximalist demands in ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine and the US.
Ukraine has already agreed to a US-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, but so far, Moscow has refused. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov aimed to convey the same message as communicated to Ukrainian officials.
**New Military Aid for Ukraine**
In related news, Germany has provided Ukraine with a new package of military assistance, including IRIS-T air defense systems and missiles for Patriots. This aid comes as Ukraine continues to face threats from Russia.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly killed around 200 Russian soldiers and destroyed 115 units of Russian military equipment in recent engagements. The recent recaptured territory by Ukrainian troops includes areas near the settlements of Udachne, Kotlyne, and Shevchenko.
**Russia’s Plans Unclear**
Despite the US-led peace initiative, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that new Russian attacks are possible ahead of Easter and after it. He emphasized Ukraine’s continued commitment to defending its country and energy sector.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to manipulate public opinion through various means, including the use of propaganda narratives. Ukrainian intelligence has identified the captain of a Russian oil embargo-breaking tanker, part of Moscow’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers.
**Financial Developments**
The ruble has appreciated by 38% against the dollar in the over-the-counter market since the start of the year, outpacing gold’s 23% rise. This development reflects growing dissatisfaction in Berlin with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s manipulation of the legacy of the war to justify Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In other financial news, Prague has secured alternative oil supplies through the expansion of the western Transalpine Pipeline (TAL), casting off its dependence on Russia’s Druzhba pipeline for the first time in over 60 years.
**Other Developments**
Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov arrived in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. A drone alert was issued in Shuya after explosions were reported in the early morning hours of April 17.
**Timeline**
– US presents “outlines of a durable and lasting peace” to Ukraine, Russia, and Europe.
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomes the US-led peace initiative.
– Germany provides new military aid to Ukraine.
– Ukrainian forces engage with Russian troops, killing around 200 soldiers and destroying 115 units of equipment.
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