Did the US Involve Russia in the Ukraine Peace Proposal?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The US peace proposal includes input from both Russia and Ukraine.
- Marco Rubio emphasizes US authorship of the document.
- Ukraine faces a response deadline of November 27.
- President Zelenskyy warns of difficult choices ahead.
- Andriy Yermak appointed to lead Ukraine's negotiation efforts.
Washington, Nov 23 (NationPress) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revealed that the peace proposal regarding Russia and Ukraine was developed with contributions from Moscow, while also incorporating prior suggestions from Kyiv. As he departed for Geneva to engage in discussions concerning the proposed agreement, Rubio emphasized that the document was entirely drafted by the United States.
Earlier, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott mentioned that the peace framework was assembled by Washington, integrating perspectives from both Russia and Ukraine.
Pigott stated on X that "as Secretary Rubio and the entire Administration have consistently affirmed, this plan was crafted by the United States, with input from both the Russians and Ukrainians."
Former President Donald Trump has asserted that the US-supported peace plan aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is not his "final offer" to Kyiv.
This statement followed concerns from a coalition of Ukraine's Western allies that the current draft necessitates significant amendments.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday (local time), Trump remarked that if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declines the proposal, he can "fight his little heart out."
He has urged Ukraine to accept the deal by November 27, but when inquired if it represented his ultimate proposal, Trump replied, "No, we aim for peace. One way or another, we will bring it to an end."
Trump also reiterated that the conflict would not have commenced had he held the presidency in early 2022.
Zelenskyy has cautioned that Ukraine is facing "one of the most challenging periods in our history," as the US encourages Kyiv to consider a plan that many in Ukraine perceive as favoring Moscow's interests.
The US has given Kyiv a deadline of November 27 to respond, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that the draft could serve as a potential "foundation" for a future settlement.
In a solemn national address on Friday, Zelenskyy warned that the nation "might confront a very tough choice: either sacrificing dignity or risking the loss of a key ally." He vowed to uphold "the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians" and affirmed that Kyiv would continue to collaborate constructively with the United States.
On Saturday, Zelenskyy appointed his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, to lead Ukraine's negotiation team. He stated that Ukrainian officials "know how to protect Ukraine's national interests" and will prioritize preventing any future aggression from Russia.